Hotel Cancels Booking for David Duke Conference

Citing a desire to remain a “positive influence” in the community, the owners of the Whispering Woods Hotel & Conference Center near Memphis have canceled a conference scheduled for this weekend by ex-Klan leader and ex-con David Duke’s European-American Unity and Rights Organization (EURO). Hotel officials previously said they were unaware of the true nature of the conference and were legally obligated to honor their contract with Duke’s group. Duke had planned speeches from a number of racists, plus music at the event, prompting two churches to cancel Sunday services scheduled there.

The hotel is located in Olive Branch, Miss. Hotel officials issued a press release today saying they are “committed to the safety and well being” of their guests and employees. “We would like to thank the leaders of … Olive Branch for working with us through this difficult and unfortunate chain of events,” the release said.