Florida hotel discriminated against Arab American group after Oct 7 attack: DOJ
A hotel owner in the tourist district of Orlando, Florida has reached an agreement with the US Department of Justice regarding a discrimination lawsuit filed against the resort after it canceled a conference scheduled for an Arab American group after Oct. 7. to attack Israel.
In a complaint filed Thursday, the DOJ accused AWH Orlando Property, owner of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld, of discrimination on the basis of national origin when it canceled hosting the annual conference held by the Arab America Foundation in November 2023.
The DOJ said there were no threats or specific dangers at the hotel regarding the conference and there was no other non-discriminatory reason to cancel the meeting of the Arab American cultural and educational group.
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The Justice Department is seen during a news conference at the DOJ office in Washington, May 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
“Simply put, in the midst of the ongoing war in the Middle East, the hotel did not want an Arab group – in this case, the Foundation – to have its event at the DoubleTree,” the complaint said. “It was the first time in years that DoubleTree has canceled an event against the customer’s wishes.”
The owner denied it and pleaded not guilty. The owner’s lawyers said in a statement that the owner and the DOJ reached an agreement, which was reached soon after the complaint was filed, to avoid a lengthy trial.
“We are deeply committed to inclusiveness and promoting 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 US Department of Justice is seen on June 11, 2021, in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
AWH Partners said it has “no control, say, input, or involvement” in the management or operation of the hotel because it is a passive investor, a limited partner.
Under the terms of the agreement, the hotel must issue a statement within a month to the Arab America Foundation that makes it clear that it welcomes all guests regardless of race, color, religion or national origin.
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters building in Washington DC, on July 3, 2023. (Getty Images)
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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 inform them that the hotel welcomes all members of the community.
The deal still has to be approved by a federal judge.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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