Airbnb bans users headed to white nationalist conference in Tennessee

[TexasTowelie]

Airbnb has banned some people planning to attend an upcoming white nationalist conference at a Tennessee state park from using its online booking platform.

The popular vacation rental company confirmed its decision Monday to ban users tied to the annual American Renaissance Conference at the Montgomery Bell State Park Inn & Conference Center.

Airbnb cited its nondiscrimination policy and the “Community Commitment” to which all users must adhere. That includes treating everyone with respect and without judgment or bias, regardless of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or age, according to the company.

American Renaissance is designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The magazine-turned-blog “openly peddles white nationalism,” according to the nonprofit legal advocacy organization.

Read more: https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/2019/04/08/airbnb-bans-racists-white-supremacists-amercian-renaissance-conference/3401615002/

[customerserviceguy]

1. How does Airbnb know

why people who use its website are coming to Tennessee? Do they just make an assumption that, if you want to be in a certain place at a certain time, then you have only one purpose in mind?

Don't get me wrong, I hate Airbnb, and would never use its services in any way, but if this goes to court, it could set a precedent for discrimination based on perceived political views.

[Merlot]

2. Good question.

Possibly ABnB is blocking listings within a certain radius of where the meeting is being held on those dates. It may find people on those sites and block them from using ABnB - which won't be successful because some bookings on ABnB are done through a third party.

I like ABnB, they're a company that tries to be on the right side of history. There are other issues with ABnB that I don't like, like the lack of regulations that listers enjoy which legitimate businesses can't ignore.

I don't know if white supremacy is considered a political view, or is in a different category - like a hate group. There may be less protections for hate groups than political groups.