Adam's Mark Settles Discrimination Suit
ST. LOUIS — The Adam's Mark luxury hotel chain agreed late last month to pay $8 million, revise its policies and seek minority customers in the settlement of a race-discrimination lawsuit by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the U.S. Department of Justice, the state of Florida and a group of Black guests.
But some members affiliated with the Organization of American Historians, who had decided in February to relocate their annual meeting held at the St. Louis Adam's Mark, say they're cautiously optimistic about hotel officials' true intent.
"Many of us who have been involved in the efforts to hold Adam's Mark accountable for its actions believe that vigilance and caution — considering the history of the institution and its leader with regard to settlements — should guide responses," Dr. Jeffrey T. Sammons, a member of the historians organization and a New York University professor, wrote in a statement.
The group moved its conference to St. Louis University and historians around the country planned a rally over the settlement to coincide with the annual meeting held here late last month.
"While we are delighted at this settlement, Adam's Mark has settled before. And the allegations and suits continued," says Dr. Leslie Brown, a member of St. Louis Historians Against Racism. "This legacy motivates us to continue our campaign against racism."
The settlement includes $1.5 million for Florida to distribute to four historically Black colleges in the state for scholarships and internships in hotel management.
Officials at Edward Waters College say they will use their share of the money to boost the school's attempt to start a degree program in hospitality management.
Edward Waters will receive $300,000 from the St. Louis-based hotel chain  for the hospitality program.
"It's a tremendous opportunity for us," says Dr. Jimmy Jenkins, president of the 800-student school. "We will use the money to try to recruit interested students.''
 Bethune-Cookman College, Florida A&M University and Florida Memorial College all will share the remaining $1.2 million in the agreement announced late last month.