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WASHINGTON, D.C. A settlement was reached in federal court today with the owner of a Georgia night club to resolve charges that African Americans were denied entrance to the establishment, the Justice Department announced.

The complaint, filed in January, in the Middle District of Georgia against the owner of the The Knights nightclub, Earl Walker, alleges that African Americans were denied equal access to the nightclub, limited the number of African American customers admitted, and charged higher admission fees than white patrons when admitted.

The proposed consent decree, filed today, requires Walker, his employees, and other persons who assist him in managing his nightclub, from discriminating against African-American patrons of the club. In addition, the decree provides for the education and training of nightclub management and employees on their duties and obligations under civil rights laws. The decree also requires Walker to advertise in local newspapers (including the Valdosta Daily Times and The Excalibur) emphasizing that The Knights is open to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.

As part of the settlement, Walker also agreed to ensure those persons who lease the The Knights' facilities for functions will not discriminate against African Americans.

"While we have made progress in realizing the promise of equal opportunity in the 37 years since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was enacted, racial discrimination still exists in some clubs and other places open to the public," said William Yeomans, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.

"Business owners who refuse to give certain customers, on the basis of their race or skin color, equal access to services are violating the law. The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the civil rights of persons through prompt investigation and aggressive litigation of complaints of federal civil rights violations" said G. F. Peterman III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.

If you believe you have been discriminated against in the areas of housing, employment, public accommodations, or in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, you may contact the United States Department of Justice at (202) 514-4713 or (800) 896-7743, or the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia at (478) 621-2700.

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