A Killeen hotel will pay damages to a disabled veteran.
The wheelchair-bound amputee uses a service dog. He had reservations at the Executive Inn and Suites in Killeen in October 2020. The hotel desk clerk told the veteran they didn't allow dogs period, service dogs included.
The veteran tried to explain he was legally allowed to have his service dog with him. The clerk then asked for documentation, which is not required under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Leanne Noble, attorney and civil rights coordinator with the Western District of Texas said the clerk even called the police to escort the veteran out of the hotel.
She said in her district, there is a lot of room for education around what the Americans with Disabilities Act requires for businesses and schools.
"These types of issues are, unfortunately, fairly common," Noble said. "They are things that people with disabilities in our district, including our veterans, face pretty regularly, unfortunately."
She said under terms of the settlement with the U.S. government, the hotel will compensate the veteran for $5,000.
"The hotel is no longer allowed to ban service animals or request documentation about those animals. They are also required to get rid of signs restricting service animals," Noble said. "All staff will be trained on how to accommodate people with disabilities who use service animals."
The hotel will be monitored for two years to ensure it stays in compliance.
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