A hotel owner in Orlando, Florida’s tourist district has settled a discrimination lawsuit with the U.S. Justice Department. This lawsuit stemmed from the cancellation of a conference for an Arab American group at the resort following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas.
The DOJ lodged a complaint on Thursday, alleging that AWH Orlando Property, the owner of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld, engaged in discrimination based on national origin. This occurred when the hotel withdrew its offer to host an annual summit organized by the Arab America Foundation in November 2023.
The DOJ stated that there were no specific threats or risks related to the summit at the hotel and that no other non-discriminatory justification existed for canceling the event for the Arab American cultural and educational organization.
Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters building in Washington D.C., on July 3, 2023. (Getty Images)
The hotel must also adopt a written anti-discrimination policy and contact at least five Arab or Arab American groups to notify them that the hotel welcomes all members of the public.
The agreement still must be approved by a federal judge.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
