Politics & Government

Arab-Americans File Lawsuit Against Huntington National Bank Claiming Discrimination

Dearborn residents say their personal and business banking accounts have been closed without due cause since January.

DEARBORN — Attorneys from three metro Detroit law firms filed a class action lawsuit Thursday against Huntington National Bank on behalf of Arab-American clients, who said their accounts were suddenly closed without explanation.

The suit was filed by Nabih H. Ayad & Associates P.C. of Canton Township, Jaafar & Mahdi Law Group P.C. of Dearborn and Barry A. Seifman P.C. of Farmington Hills.

According to the Arab-American Civil Rights League, the lawsuit claims that the bank "engaged in racial, ethnic, national origin or religious discrimination against its customers" who are Arab and Muslim. Lawyers are asking the court to issue a temporary restraining order to stop the banks from closing the accounts of plaintiffs. Huntington is the only bank named in the lawsuit.

In March, the civil rights group held a press conference at their headquarters in Dearborn after receiving a dozen reports of Arab-Americans’ accounts being closed without explanation by local banks. ACRL representatives sent a letter of protest to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and the league established a hotline that received more than 100 calls.

Maureen Morrissey Brown, director of public relations for Huntington, said she could not comment on pending litigation against the bank.

According to the Dearborn Press & Guide, more than 60 plaintiffs are listed on the lawsuit. The suit is seeking more than $75,000 for each plaintiff and a temporary restraining order prohibiting Huntington from closing customers’ accounts for “discriminatory reasons.” The suit also accuses Huntington of negligent hiring, training, supervision and retention of employees.

There are three Huntington branches in Dearborn, and 930 locations across the United States.

To file a discrimination complaint, call the Arab-American Civil Rights League at  1-313-633-0890.


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