Lawyers deny wrongdoing in hotel discrimination lawsuit

NORMAL, Ill. (AP) - Lawyers for a central Illinois hotel are denying wrongdoing in response to a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging that management failed to stop racist comments and conduct toward at least one black employee.

The Bloomington Pantagraph reported Wednesday that (http://bit.ly/1IFKu5R ) papers filed in U.S. District Court in Peoria show attorneys are asking that the complaint be dismissed.

Commission officials have said a preliminary investigation showed an employee at Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel and Conference Center was subjected to racial slurs and comments about slavery, among other things.

The hotel is owned by Missouri-based John Q. Hammons Hotel Management. A spokeswoman has said protocols in place ensure adherence to federal employment policies.

The complaint doesn't name individuals.

The lawsuit seeks compensation. The next hearing is Jan. 8.

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Information from: The Pantagraph, http://www.pantagraph.com