The US Department of Justice (DOJ) Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the Retsel Corporation in South Dakota, alleging the company discriminates based on race in violation of Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Retsel Corporation owns the Grand Gateway Hotel and Cheers Sports Lounge and Casino in Rapid City, South Dakota. The complaint alleges that a manager of Grand Gateway Hotel denied rooms to a group of Native Americans because they were representatives of an indigenous-led nonprofit. Additionally, the complaint cites a Facebook post by a director allegedly saying the hotel and lounge now bans all Native Americans. These instances, the complaint claims, demonstrate a “pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of rights” by Native Americans based on their race in violation of Title II.

US Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell said, “At the US 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 US seeks a declaratory judgment that Retsel Corporation violated the Civil Rights Act through its alleged discriminatory policies. The complaint also asks the the court to order the defendants to stop discriminating and take steps to correct and remedy past discrimination.