State issues penalties vs. anti-Asian Airbnb host

KTLA

Dyne Suh told about the Airbnb incident to KTLA television.

A FORMER Airbnb host who canceled a guest's reservation because she was Asian, not only was banned by Airbnb, but he was ordered to pay a $5,000 fan, take a class in Asian/American history and volunteer to perform community service.

The penalties came as a result of an investigation by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, which announced the agreement with the former Airbnb host Thursday (July 13),

On Feb. 17 this year while driving in a snowstorm to an Airbnb listing near Big Bear, California, Airbnb Guest Dyne Suh, a student at the UCLA School of Law, communicated with the Airbnb host via the Airbnb mobile app regarding her reservation. 

Despite having sent confirming text messages approving of additional guests, the Host denied that she had agreed to additional guests and cancelled Ms. Suh’s reservation. 

In a series of communications using the Airbnb mobile app, the Host stated, “I wouldn't rent it to u if u were the last person on earth” and “One word says it all. Asian.”

Suh posted the online messages and it went viral. 

The agreement with the host included:

• apologize to Suh
• comply with anti-discrimination laws
• attend training
• take a college level course in Asian American studies
• participate in a community education panel
• perform volunteer service at a civil rights organization
• report rental data to the department for four years
• pay $5,000 in damages

"The real story is how a charged and painful encounter led to an opportunity for reconciliation between the people involved, and to an opportunity for them to enhance the public's understanding of discrimination and civil rights in California," said Kevin Kish, the department's director in a statement.

“I am very glad that the outcome of this case includes taking an Asian American studies course,” Suh said in a Facebook post. “I believe that the more people learn about and understand our history and our struggles, the more they can feel empathy toward us and treat us as equals.”

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Airbnb dumps host who wouldn't accept Asian/American guests

SCREEN CAPTURE/YOUTUBE

Dyne Suh tearfully relates the racist incident on a Youtube video that went viral.

WHAT WAS supposed to have been a fun weekend at a popular southern California ski resort went downhill fast once the host discovered that her guest was Asian.

For all you Trump-loving Asian/Americans, look what your guy has spawned - blatant racism is now OK to express. More and more people have tossed civility and common decency out the window.

RELATED: Trump inspires hate, says SPLC report

Law student Dyne Suh made reservations through Airbnb at a cabin in Running Springs, Calif. Minutes from the cabin, the host texted Suh a message that the reservations were canceled.

“One word says it all,” the host wrote in a text message to the would-be guest. “Asian.”

“It stings that after living in the U.S. for over 23 years, this is what happens,” Suh said in the video. “No matter if I follow the law, if I’m kind to people, no matter how well I treat others–it doesn’t matter. If you’re Asian, then you’re less than human. and people can treat you like trash.”

In a statement to NBC4, Airbnb called the host's behavior "abhorrent and unacceptable."

"We have worked to provide the guest with our full support and in line with our non-discrimination policy, this host has been permanently removed from the Airbnb platform," said Christopher Nulty, spokesman for the short-term rental site. Airbnb also stated the company works to identify and prevent discrimination on its platform.

In screenshots of the texts, which were included in the video, the host wrote, “And I will not allow this country to be told what to do by foreigners. It’s why we have Trump.”

Ironically, Suh is a student at UCLA Law School and studying race relations.

Watch the video, get mad, then remember to vote in 2018's midterm elections.

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