Unfair and Prejudicial Rules at Athens Hotels
Imagine being denied a service because of your skin color. This is what Regina Sims-Walker believes happened to her on March 18, 2023, when she and a friend went to rent a room at Sleep Inn and Suites in Athens. Mrs.Sims believes she was denied service based on the color of their skin and that she was a victim of racial profiling.
The plan that evening was to spend a quiet evening alone in a room, a room that Ms. Walker was paying for. Once she presented her identification and payment method, she was told Sleep Inn and Suites could not rent the room because they “do not rent to locals.” There was no prior notice regarding the rules, nor was further explanation given to Ms. Walker. When Ms. Walker pressed the hotel, asking for an explanation, the receptionist on duty contacted the Athens-Clarke County Police, who came to the location, interrogated Ms. Walker, and subsequently barred her from the property.
Ms. Walker attempted to reach out to the manager at Sleep Inn and Suites, and after several failed attempts, she reached out to the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement to facilitate an open discussion with upper management. Two letters were sent on her behalf. Four months later, Ms. Walker’s requests for an explanation for that night have continually been ignored.
The incident made Ms. Walker feel embarrassed and unwelcome at the establishment. She wants Athens to be aware of these unfair and prejudicial rules that Sleep Inn and Suites is using, in addition to the fact that racism is still here and very real.
Ms. Walker and the AADM are asking for community support. Ms.Walker deserves a full explanation and should not be banned from the property for standing up for herself.
We have heard stories of more than one hotel within Athens and the Oconee area allegedly having similar discriminatory practices, especially during the game season. If you believe you have been mistreated or have been a victim of racial profiling at a local hotel, please contact us and share your story. Our goal is to create a more diverse, equitable community where everyone feels welcome in the Classic City.
If you have been discriminated against at a local hotel, or to help us advocate against discriminatory practices and to get answers for Ms.Walker, please fill out the form below.
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