The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) reached a settlement with AWH Orlando Property, owner of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld, resolving a discrimination lawsuit filed against the hotel for canceling a conference booked by the Arab America Foundation. The cancellation occurred in the tense aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, sparking concerns about potential backlash against Arab Americans. The DOJ’s complaint alleged that the hotel’s decision was discriminatory, based on the foundation’s national origin, and lacked any legitimate security justification.
The DOJ’s lawsuit contended that the DoubleTree’s decision was solely motivated by the attendees’ Arab heritage, reflecting a discriminatory bias fueled by the heightened political climate. The complaint highlighted the unprecedented nature of the cancellation, emphasizing that it was the first time in years the hotel had revoked a booking against the client’s wishes. The DOJ underscored the absence of any credible threats or security risks associated with the Arab America Foundation’s event, further solidifying their claim of discriminatory intent. The lawsuit painted a picture of a hotel succumbing to prejudice, choosing to cancel the event simply because of the ethnicity of the attendees.
While denying any wrongdoing and refusing to admit liability, AWH Orlando Property agreed to a settlement to avoid protracted legal proceedings. The swift resolution, reached immediately after the lawsuit was filed, suggests a desire to mitigate reputational damage and avoid a potentially costly court battle. The hotel owners maintained their commitment to inclusivity, emphasizing their ongoing efforts to foster a welcoming environment for all guests. They highlighted their diversity, equity, and inclusion training programs as evidence of their dedication to non-discrimination.
AWH Partners, a passive, limited-partner investor in the property, emphasized their lack of operational control over the hotel’s management decisions. This distinction seeks to separate the investment entity from the day-to-day operations and decision-making processes of the hotel, implying a lack of direct involvement in the cancellation incident. While the settlement does not assign blame or require an admission of guilt, it mandates specific actions from the hotel to address the discriminatory act and prevent future occurrences.
The settlement terms require the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld to issue a public statement within one month, explicitly welcoming guests of all races, colors, religions, and national origins, directly addressing the core issue of the lawsuit. This statement aims to reaffirm the hotel’s commitment to inclusivity and rectify the damage caused by the discriminatory cancellation. Furthermore, the hotel is required to adopt a formal written anti-discrimination policy, codifying their commitment to equal treatment for all guests. This policy will serve as a tangible guideline for staff and management, ensuring consistent adherence to non-discriminatory practices.
Beyond the public statement and policy changes, the settlement mandates proactive outreach to the Arab American community. The hotel must contact at least five Arab or Arab American organizations, informing them of their welcoming stance and inviting their patronage. This outreach effort demonstrates a commitment to rebuilding trust and fostering positive relationships with the community affected by the discriminatory act. This proactive engagement aims to counter the negative perception created by the cancellation and signal the hotel’s genuine commitment to inclusivity. The entire settlement remains subject to approval by a federal judge, adding a final layer of oversight to ensure its enforceability and effectiveness in addressing the underlying discriminatory behavior. This judicial review process ensures that the settlement terms are just and adequately address the concerns raised in the lawsuit.
