A hotel owner in the tourist district of Orlando, Florida has reached an agreement with the US Department of Justice about a discrimination lawsuit filed against the resort after it canceled a planned conference for an Arab-American group in the wake of Hamas’s 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 based on national origin when it canceled hosting an Arab America Foundation annual summit in November 2023.
The DOJ said there was no such thing threats or specific risks to the hotel in connection with the summit and that there was no other non-discriminatory reason to cancel the meeting for the Arab-American Cultural and Educational Group.
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“Simply put, in the midst of an ongoing war in the Middle East, the hotel did not want an Arab group – in this case the Foundation – to hold 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 admitted no liability. Attorneys for the owner said in a statement that the owner and the DOJ reached an agreement, which was reached immediately after the complaint was filed, to avoid lengthy litigation.
“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, equality and inclusion, as we strive for continuous improvement and best practice.”
The U.S. Department of Justice is seen in Washington, DC on June 11, 2021 (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
AWH Partners said it has “no control, for example, input or involvement” in the hotel’s management or operations because it is a passive investor with a limited partner.
Under the terms of the agreement, the hotel must issue a statement to the Arab America Foundation within one month clarifying that it welcomes all guests regardless of race, color, religion or national origin.
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The hotel must also adopt a written non-discrimination policy and contact at least five Arab or Arab-American groups to let them know that the hotel welcomes all members of the public.
The agreement still needs to be approved by a federal judge.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
