Posted on 06/26/2014 9:01:26 AM PDT by Marie
It is a shameful act of discrimination for a business to turn away someone who returned home after being at war with battle scars that cannot be visibly seen. But, that’s precisely what happened to one veteran while vacationing in Florida. Not only is it an act of discrimination, but also what this hotel, and many others, did to this veteran is against the law. (Watch Video at the link)
Former Army Sgt. Robert Price simply wanted to find a place to sleep while he was on vacation in Daytona Beach, FL. He was not alone. He had with him his trusty companion and service dog, Walker. After serving in the Middle East and facing bomb attacks for years, Price developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Walker’s job is to assist him when in need. He is an official service dog with the proper identifying vest and paperwork. But, that didn’t matter to the desk clerk, Bina Patel, at the Budget Inn. She told Price that his dog was not allowed, and said she would call the police on him for having a dog on the premises when he wouldn’t leave.
As you can see in that video, the clerk was quite rude and cold with how she treated this veteran. But, it was even worse than what this video shows. The clerk did call the police on Price, accusing him of being an American criminal for having a dog on the property. After police arrived, Price explained the situation to them. They attempted to educate Patel on the law and the fact that she cannot turn him away. She still refused to rent Sgt. Price a room.
Going above and beyond the call of duty, one of the police officers escorted Sgt. Price to numerous hotels in an attempt to help him get a room. Curiously, every single one said they were completely booked until they got to LaQuinta Inn, which welcomed Sgt. Price and his dog Walker with open arms.
WFTV has a full interview with Sgt. Price during which he recounts what happened and says, surprisingly, this is not the first time he has had the experience of being turned away because of his service dog, Walker. However, it is the first time he was called a criminal and had the police called simply because of the presence of his service dog Walker. Patel is facing a possible misdemeanor charge, which could include a fine and jail time, for breaking the Florida law by refusing service and turning away a disabled individual and their service dog.
(watch full interview at the link)
The first video was taken with his cellphone while the incident was happening. He didn’t get it on video, but she called him “an American criminal”. That just makes me sick to my stomach.
She comes to our country, breaks our laws, continues to disrespect our laws after TWO police inform her of the law, and deeply disrespects one of OUR veterans. Just disgusting.
Other lands, other customs. She needs to return to her country where she can follow them.
The Patel family, or just people named Patel own half the motels in the USA, it seems like.
Sadly, this happened to my son as well. He has a service dog to help with his PTSD and he’s been shown the doors by establishments in and around San Antonio.
that a violation of ADA right
I know state of CALI has separate version I would welcome your son and his service dog
From the attitude, seems like this is another one of Obama’s sons. Screwing the military is a family goal of the White Hut kind.
Hotel....Daytona....Bina Patel....Yep.
I hope the dog was able to leave a little something on the premises for her. :)
south Asians don't like dogs. Even if they aren't Muslim.
Indian woman. I’d suggest that you watch the video if you get the chance.
uhh.... more like one of Ghandi’s sons
Do we know the exact place so we can write them?
Is she one of the owners?
too bad he was not in Monterey, California... they are very doggy friendly there... i will never forget when we took our Border Collie in the elevator to our room at the Marriott... :)
Most patels are hindus, but some are muslims.
Sometimes that “red dot” on your forehead is a laser...
I dunno. Everyone seems to have a “service dog” nowadays.
She *is* a manager. So she lied about that.
We stayed at a LaQuinta a couple weeks ago, and were very pleased with everything, good value.
LaQuinta is also now offering military discounts. From their web site:
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So, if you’re not already a La Quinta Returns™ member, simply click the Join Now button below to join La Quinta Returns as a Military Rewards member.
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