Marriott settles suit by Arab-Americans

DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Marriott International has settled a lawsuit and apologized to an Arab-American group whose convention reservation was canceled after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. A company spokeswoman said the hotel chain did not intend to discriminate against Arab-Americans. Marriott agreed to set up a $100,000 Midwest Federation scholarship fund and give $15,000 to sponsor the group's rescheduled convention, which was held last weekend at the Marriott in Flint, Mich.