A federal judge has largely dismissed a lawsuit filed by a former Boston city employee, Marwa Khudaynazar, against the city, Mayor Michelle Wu, and a Boston police officer. However, one claim – alleging retaliatory firing – will proceed.
Legal Challenge Narrowed
U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs issued an order Wednesday dismissing eight of the ten claims brought forth in Khudaynazar’s lawsuit, which was filed last fall. The suit centered on allegations that Khudaynazar was terminated to shield a high-ranking Wu administration official, Segun Idowu, from scandal and to protect the mayor during an election year, following accusations that Idowu had propositioned her.
Judge Burroughs granted motions to dismiss claims made by Khudaynazar, Officer Luke Payne, and Mayor Wu. The single remaining claim asserts that Khudaynazar’s firing was a direct response to statements she made to police following her arrest. The judge also ordered parties to address why a tenth claim, related to a public records request, should not be dismissed as moot, as the city has reportedly complied with that request.
Retaliation Claim Remains
While acknowledging the remaining claim is “tenuous,” Judge Burroughs allowed it to move forward. Khudaynazar alleges she was suspended and then fired in retaliation for reporting to the police and making public statements, including confirming a date with Idowu. The judge noted that Khudaynazar’s statements to police regarding a potentially inappropriate relationship with Idowu “plausibly amounts to protected citizen speech on a matter of public concern.”
The lawsuit arose after Khudaynazar and her then-boyfriend, Chulan Huang, were arrested last May following a domestic dispute. Huang, a former neighborhood business manager, has stated he was made to “absorb the consequences of someone else’s misconduct,” referencing what he described as an abuse of power by Idowu. Idowu, who plans to resign on Feb. 27, has denied wrongdoing, citing a city investigation that found no policy violations.
Other dismissed claims included allegations of due process violations and interference with Khudaynazar’s participation in a political leadership program. A retaliatory arrest claim against Officer Payne was also dismissed, as the judge found no evidence he lacked probable cause for the arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted this lawsuit?
The lawsuit was filed by Marwa Khudaynazar following her termination from her position with the city, alleging she was fired to protect Segun Idowu and Mayor Michelle Wu from a scandal related to accusations of misconduct by Idowu.
What is the current status of the domestic violence charge against Chulan Huang?
The domestic violence charge against Chulan Huang was dismissed by a Boston Municipal Court judge last week because Khudaynazar did not appear in court to testify, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office.
What is Segun Idowu’s current employment status?
Segun Idowu plans to resign from his position with the Wu administration on Feb. 27. He has denied any wrongdoing.
As the case proceeds on the single remaining claim, it remains to be seen whether Khudaynazar can demonstrate a sufficient link between her statements and the city’s decision to terminate her employment. Further legal proceedings are likely, and the outcome could have implications for how the city handles similar situations in the future.
