A hotel owner in the tourist district of Orlando, Florida has reached an agreement with the U.S. Justice Department over a discrimination lawsuit filed against the resort after it canceled a planned conference for an Arab American group in the aftermath of Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
In the complaint filed Thursday, the DOJ accused AWH Orlando Property, the owner of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld, of discrimination on the basis of national origin when it canceled hosting an annual summit held by the Arab America Foundation in November 2023.
The DOJ said there had been no threats or specific risks to the hotel in connection with the summit and that there was not any other non-discriminatory reason to cancel the meeting for the Arab American cultural and educational group.
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The Department of Justice seals is seen during a news conference at the DOJ office in Washington, May 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
“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 denied the allegations and did not admit liability. Attorneys for the owner said in a statement that the owner and the DOJ reached the agreement, which was reached immediately after the complaint was filed, to avoid prolonged litigation.
“We are deeply committed to inclusivity and to fostering a welcoming environment for all,” the statement read. “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.”
The U.S. Department of Justice is seen on June 11, 2021, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
AWH Partners said it has “no control, say, input, or involvement” in the management or operations of the hotel because it is a passive, limited-partner investor.
Under the terms of the 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.
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The hotel must also adopt a written anti-discrimination policy and contact at least five Arab or Arab American groups to notify them that the hotel welcomes all members of the public.
The agreement still must be approved by a federal judge.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
On October 7th, a group of Arab Americans were looking forward to a relaxing stay at a hotel in Florida. However, their stay turned into a nightmare when they were discriminated against after the tragic attack that occurred on that same day.
The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the incident, where the hotel allegedly treated the group of Arab Americans unfairly based on their ethnicity. The group was subjected to discriminatory treatment, including being denied access to certain amenities and services that were freely available to other guests.
This type of discrimination is not only unacceptable but also illegal. Hotels, like all businesses, are required to treat all guests equally and fairly regardless of their background or ethnicity.
The Department of Justice is committed to holding the hotel accountable for their actions and ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Discrimination has no place in our society, and it is important to stand up against it whenever and wherever it occurs.
We must continue to fight against discrimination and strive for a more inclusive and welcoming society for all. Let this incident serve as a reminder that we must always be vigilant in protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, no matter their background.
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- Florida hotel discrimination
- Arab American group discrimination
- DOJ investigation
- Florida hotel lawsuit
- Arab American rights
- Oct 7 attack aftermath
- Civil rights violation
- Discrimination against Arab Americans
- DOJ legal action
- Florida hotel controversy
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