Discrimination brought by a hotel owner in a tourist area in Orlando, Florida, against the resort after the resort canceled an Arab American group meeting scheduled in response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. An agreement has been reached with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the lawsuit. attack on Israel.
In a complaint filed Thursday, the Department of Justice alleges that AWH Orlando Properties, owner of SeaWorld's DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando, has announced that AWH Orlando Properties, owner of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando in SeaWorld They accused the country of discrimination based on nationality when it canceled hosting the next summit.
The Justice Department said there were no threats or specific risks to the hotel in connection with the summit, and there was no reason other than discrimination to cancel the Arab American cultural and educational organization's meeting.
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The Department of Justice seal speaks during a press conference at the Justice Department's offices in Washington, May 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
“Simply put, the hotel did not want an Arab organization, in this case a foundation, to host an event at the DoubleTree during the ongoing wars in the Middle East,” the suit says. “This is the first time in several years that DoubleTree has canceled an event against the wishes of its customers.”
The owner denied the charges and did not accept liability. Lawyers for the owners said in a statement that the owners and the Justice Department reached an agreement immediately after the complaint was filed to avoid protracted litigation.
“We value inclusivity and are deeply committed to fostering an environment that welcomes all people,” the statement said. “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.”
U.S. Department of Justice seen in Washington, DC on June 11, 2021 (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
AWH Partners said that because it is a passive limited partner investor, it has “no control, e.g., no input or involvement” in the hotel's management or operations.
Under the terms of the agreement, the hotel must issue a statement to the Arab American Foundation within one month clarifying that it welcomes all guests regardless of race, color, religion or national origin.
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July 3, 2023 at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters Building in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)
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Hotels 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 public.
The agreement still needs approval from a federal judge.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
