Iranian-American files bias suit against Sears

BANGOR - An Iranian-born US citizen has filed a federal lawsuit against Sears claiming his supervisor at the store where he worked called him a terrorist, slurred him racially, and denounced his religious views.

Kaveh Khansar Nejad, 28, of Augusta, who is a devout follower of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, filed the suit Tuesday in US District Court in Bangor. He claims his supervisor unfairly denied him pay raises and promotions and forced him to perform duties that caused him to reinjure his back.

He is seeking back pay, damages, attorney fees, and an injunction ordering Sears to take steps to ensure other employees aren't discriminated against. A Sears spokesman said the company does not comment on pending litigation.