The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in SeaWorld, Orlando, with a focus on inclusivity amidst controversy.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at SeaWorld in Orlando has canceled a scheduled conference for the Arab America Foundation due to concerns over public backlash related to the conflict in Gaza. The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the hotel for discrimination, claiming the cancellation violated the rights of attendees. A settlement has been reached, mandating the hotel to adopt anti-discrimination policies and promote inclusivity while the Arab America Foundation seeks further legal action for the disruption caused by this unexpected cancellation.
In the vibrant city of Orlando, an unexpected turn of events has left the community buzzing. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at SeaWorld recently made headlines after it canceled a planned conference hosted by the Arab America Foundation. This event was set to take place from November 3-5, 2023, but only about a week before, the hotel decided to pull the plug on it. So, what exactly happened?
The hotel claimed the cancellation stemmed from concerns about potential support for Gaza, amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Reports reveal that this cancellation marks a rare occurrence where a hotel decided to cancel an event despite the wishes of the customer. In fact, the Arab America Foundation had a contract in place to host their annual conference. Around 250 attendees were expected to come together to celebrate Arab heritage, with an array of speakers and activities lined up.
Following the surprise cancellation, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) stepped in, filing a lawsuit against the hotel for discrimination based on national origin. The DOJ argued that the hotel’s decision was influenced by unfounded fears about public backlash and safety concerns, stating there were no credible threats or communications that warranted such a drastic measure. Essentially, the DOJ pointed out that the hotel’s hesitation seemed to stem from the ongoing war, leading them to believe that hosting an Arab group could spark negative attention.
In an interesting turnaround, the settlement reached between the DOJ and the hotel happened on the same day the lawsuit was filed. If finalized, this agreement imposes several obligations on the hotel. First and foremost, the hotel will need to issue a statement affirming that all guests and groups are welcome, regardless of their national origin. Additionally, they are required to establish a written anti-discrimination policy and provide training for employees on anti-discrimination practices.
To ensure compliance, the hotel must also hire a compliance officer who will monitor the implementation of the agreement over the next two years. This step is crucial as it signals the hotel’s intention to create a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of background.
As part of the settlement, the hotel is also directed to reach out to at least five Arab or Arab American groups. This move is intended to promote openness and inclusivity in their public offerings – a marked shift from the earlier approach that resulted in the cancellation.
The Arab America Foundation isn’t stopping here. They are pursuing additional civil legal actions against the hotel due to the disruption caused by this abrupt cancellation and the negative impact it had on the Arab American community. Concerns are growing in the community about how the actions of a single venue can ripple out to affect perceptions and opportunities for diversity.
As the legal proceedings unfold and the hotel works toward fulfilling its commitments, many are hopeful that the situation will lead to a more inclusive dialogue around events and national identity. The controversy shines a light on larger discussions regarding acceptance and understanding in today’s diverse society. In the heart of Orlando, the future remains uncertain, but a strong push for equality and inclusivity is now more critical than ever.
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