Welcome back, readers! Our news report this week involves an ADA settlement after guests accused a Nashville hotel of discrimination because of their service animal. Read on to learn the details regarding the case.
Hotel to Pay $6000 In Settlement After Service Animal Dispute
The Knights Inn Nashville has reached a settlement regarding claims that it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against guests who were accompanied by a service animal.
The case involves an incident that occurred on August 15, 2024, in which hotel staff initially denied accommodations to a family traveling with a service animal. The staff cited a general policy prohibiting animals.
However, case records show the family had reserved their room(s) in advance and had clearly indicated the presence of their service dog. Which means the hotel had knowledge of the service animal when the reservation was approved.
Despite all that, the hotel staff kept the family engaged in a 10-minute confrontational exchange about their service dog. Eventually, the staff permitted their stay, but only after the family provided what the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee characterized as “unnecessary registration documentation” regarding the service animal.
According to the ADA, businesses can only ask if the service animal is required due to a disability and what task/work the animal has been trained to perform. They are not allowed to ask for documentation or any other proof of certification.
After Knights Inn opted for the settlement, acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire stated, “Service animals are vital to the health and welfare of people in our community who need them…This settlement shows that we will vigorously enforce the law to make sure that Tennesseans have equal access to facilities and not be barred because of challenges they may face.”
The Knights Inn Nashville is required to prominently display signage reading ‘Service Animals Welcome’ as part of the settlement agreement. The hotel is also required to adopt and implement a policy specifically accommodating individuals with disabilities who require service animals. This policy applies to all the hotels operated by the owner.
The agreement also requires all hotel employees (involved in the reservation process or guest interactions) to undergo ADA compliance training. Settlement terms also instruct the Knights Inn Nashville to pay $4,000 to the affected family, and an additional $2,000 civil penalty to the United States.
While announcing the settlement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reiterated its commitment to ensuring the equal rights of individuals with disabilities are upheld, in light of the ADA’s 35th anniversary this year.
Source: Fox17
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
While discrimination suits aren’t uncommon, this settlement highlights why the ADA is essential for safeguarding equal access for individuals with disabilities. While enforcing compliance may seem onerous to business owners, in the long run, reinforcing commitment to inclusivity and dignity for all will benefit society as a whole.
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