Hotel Chain to Pay $1.1 Million to Settle Bias Case, End Boycott

The Adam’s Mark hotel chain will pay $1.1 million to settle allegations it discriminated against black guests during a 1999 black college reunion in Florida.

The settlement ends a boycott by the organization against Adam’s Mark and legal action by the hotel chain against those who canceled contracts as part of the boycott.

The case stems from a lawsuit filed by five black guests who attended the 1999 Black College Reunion in Daytona Beach, Fla. The five contended they were overcharged, given inferior rooms, forced to wear neon orange wristbands and required to carry their own luggage.

Fred S. Kummer III, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Adam’s Mark, said it did nothing wrong but settled to end the court battle.

The plaintiffs will receive $100,000, while other guests alleging discrimination will be paid from a $400,000 fund. The Florida attorney general’s office has put aside $1,000 for each guest on the list of 400 for that weekend.