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New Jersey Hotel Faces Legal Action for Disability Discrimination
Crowne Plaza Edison Hotel Accused of Failing to Provide Adequate Facilities for Spina Bifida Conference Attendees
In a significant development in the fight for disability rights, the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) has issued Findings of Probable Cause against the Crowne Plaza Edison Hotel. The hotel stands accused of violating the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) by not offering accessible public restrooms to attendees of a spina bifida conference.
Background of the Case:
The case emerged from complaints filed by individuals who attended a conference organized by the Spina Bifida Resource Network, a non-profit dedicated to advocating for people with spina bifida and other disabilities. Despite prior notification to the hotel about the specific needs of the attendees, many of whom use wheelchairs, the hotel reportedly failed to make the necessary accommodations for accessible restroom facilities.
Investigation Findings:
DCR's investigation revealed that the hotel did not provide a public wheelchair-accessible restroom on the first floor, where the conference was held. The only such restroom available was under renovation. As a makeshift solution, attendees were directed to use restrooms in private guest rooms, some of which were already occupied, posing both inconvenience and privacy issues for attendees and guests alike.
Legal Implications:
Under the LAD, public accommodations such as hotels are mandated to offer reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to services and facilities. Failure to do so, as DCR's findings suggest in this case, constitutes discrimination based on disability.
“It’s shocking to imagine that a venue hosting a conference for disability advocates would fail to provide an adequate wheelchair-accessible restroom to the attendees. In New Jersey, that’s against the law,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Today’s enforcement actions show that we’ll hold accountable any business that denies persons with disabilities equal access to its facilities.”
“Far too often, people with disabilities face barriers that deny them equal access to the facilities and services provided by hotels, restaurants, and other public places. The facts of these cases serve as a painful reminder of how pervasive those barriers continue to be,” said Sundeep Iyer, Director of the Division on Civil Rights. “The enforcement actions we are announcing today reinforce that employers, housing providers, and places of public accommodation must meet their legal obligations to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to their facilities.”
Next Steps:
With the issuance of Findings of Probable Cause, the matter now moves towards conciliation in an attempt to reach a voluntary resolution. Should negotiations fail, the case will proceed to prosecution, either in Superior Court or through the New Jersey Office of Administrative Law, signaling a rigorous legal battle ahead for the Crowne Plaza Edison Hotel.
Resources and Reporting:
For those seeking more information on disability rights or wishing to report potential violations, resources are available through the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing efforts required to safeguard the rights of individuals with disabilities and ensure that public accommodations comply with anti-discrimination laws.
