Sept. 17 filings in federal court accuse Dearborn and Mayor Abdullah Hammoud of violating the First Amendment by funding Ramadan-only public displays while denying equivalent Christian and Jewish holiday symbols.
Cleveland says she saw "Ramadan Kareem" banners and crescent-moon decorations across downtown Dearborn during Lent, with Easter two weeks away and Passover one week away, then sought matching displays through letters, FOIA requests and a council appearance.
Her lawsuit also cites alleged Islamic iconography on police department Ramadan T-shirts and claims city officials largely refused to engage, with one council member allegedly saying the council had been told not to speak with her.
Dearborn rejected the accusations, saying it has a longstanding commitment to treat all residents fairly and equitably regardless of faith or background.