• The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Orlando faced allegations of discrimination against an Arab American group.
• The Justice Department filed a complaint after the hotel canceled an event for the Arab America Foundation amid political tensions.
• An agreement requires the hotel to adopt an anti-discrimination policy and issue a statement welcoming all guests.
• The hotel’s owner denied wrongdoing, emphasizing a commitment to inclusivity and diversity training.
• Federal judge approval is required for the agreement reached between the hotel and the Justice Department.

In a significant development in the realm of civil rights, the owner of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld has reached an agreement with the U.S. Justice Department following allegations of discrimination aimed at an Arab American group. This complaint arose after the hotel abruptly canceled a planned conference for the Arab America Foundation in the weeks succeeding the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The Justice Department's complaint, filed on Thursday, asserted that the hotel discriminated based on national origin when it canceled the annual summit, which was scheduled for November 2023. The complaint highlighted that there were no threats or viable risks associated with the event that could justify the cancellation, suggesting instead that the decision was motivated by a desire to distance the hotel from Arab groups amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “This was the first time in years that the DoubleTree had canceled an event against the wishes of the customer,” the complaint noted, underscoring the unusual nature of such an action.

In response, the hotel’s owner, AWH Orlando Property, has denied the claims but stated that a settlement was preferable to a protracted legal battle. An attorney representing the hotel affirmed their ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, emphasizing that “both parties reached the agreement to avoid a prolonged legal process.”

The terms of the agreement stipulate that the hotel must publicly declare its welcome to guests of all backgrounds and adopt a formal anti-discrimination policy. Additionally, the hotel is required to engage with at least five Arab or Arab American organizations to ensure they are aware of the hotel’s commitment to inclusivity. This agreement, necessitated by the Justice Department's findings, must be officially endorsed by a federal judge before it can take effect.

U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg reinforced the significance of equal access to public accommodations, stating, “The right to enjoy and have equal access to places of public accommodation is essential in our communities.” He noted that the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida remains vigilant in protecting the civil rights of all individuals. The Arab America Foundation has yet to respond to these developments.

For further information, you can refer to the source article from CBS News.