New York, NY, July 14, 1995...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called it "profoundly troubling" that Radisson Grand Resort Charlotte promotes itself as a "Christian family resort." In an exchange of letters with the hotel chain's Chief Executive Officer, ADL said such a message "from a corporation which endeavors to serve the public regardless of religious affiliation is highly offensive." The League urged Radisson to "reconsider the appropriateness of your position."

In June, the Radisson Charlotte had sent out a promotional letter saying, "We are a Christian family resort with activities for the entire family." The letter closed, "Sincerely in Christ."

Saying the promotional letter not only offends "the principles of the Radisson Hotel chain which, as a public company, endeavors to serve the public-at-large independent of religious affiliation, it is also an affront to your non-Christian patrons," Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, wrote to the Chief Executive Officer of the Radisson Hotel Corporation, John Norlander. "The Anti-Defamation League," wrote Foxman, "finds the language, content, and spirit of the letter very troubling."

Norlander responded that the Radisson Charlotte is "owned and operated by an organization that represents the largest Christian group in Malaysia," and their license agreement allows independent operation of their hotel "so long as they don't violate any laws. In this case I don't see any law being violated."

Finding Norlander's response "profoundly troubling," Foxman wrote him again, saying, "The signal Radisson and, in particular its Charlotte affiliate, is sending is that non-Christian business is discouraged. In addition to its offensiveness from a public policy standpoint, the message that resonates from the letter may be inconsistent with laws governing places of public accommodation."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.