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Background of the case
In a significant legal development, a hotel owner in Orlando, Florida, has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding a discrimination lawsuit. The lawsuit stemmed from the cancellation of a planned conference for the Arab America Foundation, which was set to take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld in November 2023.
This cancellation occurred in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, raising serious concerns about discrimination based on national origin.
Details of the settlement
The DOJ’s complaint highlighted that there were no credible threats or risks associated with the summit, indicating that the cancellation was not justified by any non-discriminatory reasons.
The complaint explicitly stated that the hotel owner did not want an Arab group to hold its event at their venue, marking a troubling precedent for inclusivity in public spaces. The hotel owner, while denying the allegations, opted for a settlement to avoid lengthy litigation, emphasizing their commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all guests.
Implications for inclusivity
As part of the settlement, the hotel is required to issue a public statement within a month, affirming its commitment to welcoming guests of all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. Additionally, the hotel must adopt a written anti-discrimination policy and reach out to at least five Arab or Arab American organizations to communicate its inclusive stance.
This agreement, pending approval from a federal judge, serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance against discrimination in hospitality and public services.
