Natalia Delfini, Senior
On December 22nd at the DoubleTree Hotel in Portland, Oregon, two employees were caught on video forcing a black guest to leave. This guest by the name of Jermaine Messay was not breaking any rule or law but was targeted due to his skin color. His phone call to his mother was interpreted as disorderly due to his skin color, he claimed. As he entered the hotel lobby, he was told by hotel security that he was about to be escorted out by the police. Jermaine Massey was harassed by the employees and by the security guards for supposedly trespassing even though he showed his room key. Out of confusion, Messay proclaimed, “But why? But I'm staying here." The security guard replied, "Not anymore."
The DoubleTree Hotel released a statement regarding this incident:
“We sincerely apologize to Mr. Massey for his treatment this past weekend, and deeply regret the experience he endured. It was unacceptable and contrary to our values, beliefs and how we seek to treat all people who visit our hotel."
They then added on Twitter:
"We have terminated the employment of the two men involved in the mistreatment of Mr. Massey. Their actions were inconsistent with our standards & values. We reiterate our sincere apology for what he endured & will work with diversity experts to ensure this never happens again."
The employees involved are also being investigated for their actions. Jermaine Massey demands to know why he was seen as a threat and why he was even questioned in the first place.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/28/us/portland-hotel-police-black-guest-trnd/index.html
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