JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES NATIONWIDE SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT WITH MOTEL 6

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Justice Department today announced an agreement with Motel 6 Operating L.P., settling allegations that the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“For too long Americans with disabilities have faced unreasonable challenges in enjoying many things most of us take for granted, such as traveling and staying in motels,” said R. Alexander Acosta, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “Today’s settlement is a major step in ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy fully the freedom to travel. We commend Motel 6 for its cooperation and are confident that this agreement will serve as a model for other hotel chains.”

Under the agreement, Motel 6 will bring its over 600 corporate owned or operated motels into compliance with the ADA by December 31, 2006. In addition, the company will hire a full time ADA compliance officer, provide ADA training to all motel managers, and hire an independent consultant to assess compliance with the agreement. In the event that Motel 6 fails to achieve substantial compliance with the ADA and the agreement, it will pay $110,000 in civil penalties to the United States.

The settlement is part of the Justice Department’s efforts under President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative. Announced in early 2001, the initiative seeks to provide Americans with disabilities the full access required by federal law. The initiative focuses primarily on securing voluntary compliance.

Information regarding compliance with federal disabilities laws and the rights of individuals with disabilities are available at http://www.ada.gov and also through the Civil Rights Division’s ADA information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD).

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