The owner of a hotel in Orlando’s tourist district has reached an agreement with the Justice Department after the agency sued alleging discrimination when the resort canceled a planned conference for an Arab American group in the weeks after the attack which triggered the war in Gaza.
The Justice Department’s complaint filed Thursday alleged that the owner of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld had discriminated on the basis of national origin when it canceled hosting an annual summit held by the Arab America Foundation in November 2023, almost a month after the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
There had been no threats or specific risks to the hotel related to the summit or any other non-discriminatory reason to cancel the meeting for the Arab American cultural and educational group, the complaint said.
“Simply stated, amidst an ongoing war in the Middle East, the hotel did not want an Arab group — in this instance, the Foundation — to have its event at the DoubleTree,” the complaint said. “This was the first time in years that the DoubleTree had canceled an event against the wishes of the customer.”
The owner, AWH Orlando Property, denied the allegations and didn’t admit liability. Attorneys for the owner said in an emailed statement to the Associated Press on Friday that both parties reached the agreement to avoid a prolonged legal process.
“We are deeply committed to inclusivity and to fostering a welcoming environment for all,” the statement said. “As part of this commitment, we continue to implement proactive measures, including regular training on diversity, equity, and inclusion, while striving for continuous improvement and best practices.”
Under the terms of the Justice Department agreement, the hotel must issue a statement within a month to the Arab America Foundation making it clear that it welcomes all guests regardless of race, color, religion or national origin. The hotel also must adopt a written anti-discrimination policy and reach out to at least five Arab or Arab American groups to let them know the hotel is open to all members of the public, according to the agreement.
The agreement, which was reached immediately after the Justice Department’s complaint was filed, must be approved by a federal judge.
“The right to enjoy and have equal access to places of public accommodation is essential in our communities,” attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida said in a statement. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District will continue to hold places of public accommodation accountable to ensure that the civil rights of all people are protected.”
The Arab America Foundation didn’t immediately respond to the Associated Press Friday to an email seeking comment.
In a disturbing incident of discrimination, a hotel in Florida has been accused of discriminating against an Arab American group following a Hamas attack. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an investigation into the matter, which has sparked outrage and concern within the Arab American community.
The incident reportedly occurred when a group of Arab Americans who were in Florida for a conference were denied accommodations at the hotel after news broke of a Hamas attack in the Middle East. The hotel allegedly cited security concerns as the reason for refusing to host the group, despite there being no evidence or reason to believe that the group posed any threat.
This blatant act of discrimination is not only unjust but also goes against the principles of equality and fairness that our society is built upon. It is unacceptable for individuals to be denied services based on their ethnicity or background, especially in the wake of a tragic event that they have no connection to.
The DOJ’s involvement in this case is a crucial step towards ensuring that justice is served and that such discriminatory practices are not tolerated. It is important for us to stand up against all forms of prejudice and discrimination, and to hold accountable those who perpetrate such acts.
As we await further developments in this case, let us remember the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or beliefs. Discrimination has no place in our society, and we must continue to fight against it wherever it may rear its ugly head.
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Florida hotel discrimination, Arab American group, Hamas attack, DOJ, civil rights violation, discrimination lawsuit, Arab American rights, Florida hospitality industry, anti-discrimination laws, DOJ investigation, Arab American discrimination case
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