ORLANDO, Fla. (RTWNews) — In a significant legal move, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against United Parks & Resorts, the parent company of SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, over allegations of violating civil rights laws. The lawsuit contends that the company's recent prohibition on wheeled walkers with seats, commonly known as rollators, discriminates against individuals with disabilities, thereby contravening the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The DOJ's civil rights division is calling for a jury trial to go forward in Orlando. The complaint alleges that the ban, instituted last November across at least three parks in Orlando and Tampa, has had a detrimental impact on various visitors, particularly those with mobility challenges, including veterans.
Following the DOJ's announcement, United Parks & Resorts provided a statement disputing the claims, asserting that the policy was introduced to enhance safety after encountering repeated incidents of misuse involving the rollators. The company's spokesperson indicated that alternative accessibility options remain available to guests at no extra cost.
As tensions rise surrounding the issue, many advocates are rallying support for those impacted and calling for an immediate review of the policies that restrict access for disabled individuals.
