The owner of a hotel in the tourist district of Orlando, Florida reached an agreement with the company US Department of Justice due to a discrimination lawsuit filed against the resort after it canceled a planned conference for an Arab-American group in the wake of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas.
In a complaint filed Thursday, the DOJ accused AWH Orlando Property, owner of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld, of discrimination based on national origin when it canceled hosting the Arab America Foundation’s annual summit in November 2023.
The DOJ said there wasn’t threats or specific risks to the hotel in connection with the summit and that there was no other non-discriminatory reason for canceling the meeting of the Arab-American cultural and educational group.
FATHER OF TEENAGE MS-13 VICTIM REJECTS LAST-MINUTE DEAL WITH DOJ BIDEN
Department of Justice seals are seen during a news conference at the DOJ office in Washington on May 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
“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 their 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 owner denied the charges and did not admit responsibility. Attorneys for the owner said in a statement that the owner and the DOJ reached an agreement, which was reached immediately after the lawsuit was filed, to avoid protracted litigation.
“We are deeply committed to inclusiveness and fostering a friendly environment for all,” the statement said. “As part of this commitment, we continue to implement proactive measures, including regular diversity, equality and inclusion training, 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, let’s say input or involvement” in the management or operation of the hotel because it is a passive limited partner investor.
Under the terms of the contract, the hotel must issue a statement within one month to the Arab America Foundation clearly stating that it welcomes all guests regardless of race, color, religion or national origin.
BIDEN CHANGED ALMOST 2,500 SENTENCES IN THE LAST DAYS OF THE PRESIDENCY
The Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters building in Washington DC on July 3, 2023. (Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
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 public.
The agreement still needs to be approved by a federal judge.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
