Connie Uhre, Racial Discrimination, South Dakota 2024

Related Federal Cases

Rapid City Man Charged in Government Theft · South Dakota
ADA Scandal Rocks Keystone City Park · South Dakota
Ex-Tax Judge Diane Kroupa Pleads Guilty to $450K IRS Fraud · Maryland
Winner Men Strip Spirit Camp in Pipeline Protest Trespass · Illinois
Sherrae Two Hearts Indicted for Obstruction of Justice and False Statements · North Dakota

Table of Contents

Retsel Corporation Accused of Racial Discrimination in Rapid City

A federal lawsuit has been filed against Retsel Corporation, Connie Uhre, and Nicholas Uhre for allegedly discriminating against Native American customers at the Grand Gateway Hotel and the Cheers Sports Lounge and Casino in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The lawsuit, filed by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, claims that the defendants’ policies and practices denied Native Americans the full and equal enjoyment of access to the services, accommodations, and privileges at the hotel and sports lounge.

According to the complaint, Connie Uhre told other Rapid City hotel owners and managers that she did “not want to allow Natives on property. . . . The problem is we do not know the nice ones from the bad natives…so we just have to say no to them!”

Uhre also posted a statement on Facebook announcing that “we will no longer allow any Native American [sic]” in the Grand Gateway or in the Cheers Sports Lounge and Casino. The complaint further alleges that on at least two occasions, the defendants turned away Native Americans who sought to book a room in the Grand Gateway.

“Policies prohibiting Native Americans from accessing public establishments are both racially discriminatory and unlawful,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously protect the rights of all people to go about their daily lives free from discrimination at hotels, restaurants, and other public accommodations around the country.”

“Restricting access to a hotel based on a person’s race is prohibited by federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “At the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we are called to ensure that individuals are treated equally at public accommodations in South Dakota. We are committed to protecting that fundamental right for Native Americans.”

The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief to change the defendants’ policies and practices to remedy the discriminatory conduct. The Justice Department is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals to go about their daily lives free from discrimination.

Those who believe they have been victims of discrimination in places of public accommodation can report it to the Justice Department at 1-833-591-0291 or submit a report online.