Uber Says Its Drivers Can Deny Service to White Supremacists

Transportation company Uber will allow its drivers to refuse passengers who are attending the Unite the Right 2 white supremacist rally in Washington, D.C. on August 12. In accordance with Uber’s community guidelines, the driver may refuse a passenger based on the driver’s feelings of comfort and safety.

While Uber did not directly reference the rally, the company sent an announcement to its drivers emphasizing community guidelines about respect.

“People matter most to the Uber experience. And, it’s a 2-way street between riders and drivers,” the announcement reads. “We created our Community Guidelines so that everyone in the vehicle has a shared standard for respect, accountability, and common courtesy.”

The announcement supports Uber’s terms of service. Drivers and passengers are “are expected to exercise good judgment and behave decently towards other people in the car when riding with Uber.” Both passengers and drivers agree to the terms upon signing up for the service. Additionally, the company may remove people from the platform for violating the rules.

“Regardless of the event, drivers are advised to follow all local laws but have the right to refuse service to riders who are disrespectful or who make them feel unsafe,” Uber said in a statement.

Other companies are taking the same route as Uber, including Lyft and Airbnb. Both Lyft and Airbnb are allowing drivers and hosts to deny service to customers participating in the rally.