A hotel owner in the tourist district of Orlando, Florida has reached an agreement with US Department of Justice regarding a discrimination lawsuit filed against the resort after it canceled a meeting planned for an Arab American group following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. 2023 in 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 grounds of national origin when it canceled hosting the annual convention held by the Arab America Foundation in November 2023.
The DOJ said there is none certain threats or dangers to the hotel regarding the meeting and that there was no indiscriminate reason to cancel the Arab American cultural and educational group meeting.
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Department of Justice seals are seen during a press 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. “This was the first time in years that DoubleTree has canceled an event against the customer's wishes.”
The homeowner denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty. The owner's attorneys said in a statement that the owner and the DOJ reached an agreement, reached soon after the complaint was filed, to avoid lengthy litigation.
“We are committed to inclusion 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, as we strive to improve progress and good manners.”
The US Department of Justice will be seen on June 11, 2021, in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
AWH Partners said it has “no control, say, involvement, or participation” in the management or operation of the hotel because it is a passive investor, with a limited partner.
Under the terms of the agreement, the hotel must submit a statement within a month to the Arab America Foundation stating that it welcomes all guests regardless of race, color, religion or nationality.
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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 implement a written anti-discrimination policy and contact at least five Arab or Arab American groups to inform them that the hotel is welcoming.
The agreement still has to be approved by a federal judge.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.