As animal activists and vegans, we try to frequent businesses that live by our values. Unfortunately, during a recent stay at a Sheraton in Duluth, Minnesota, we discovered that they were serving foie gras - a "delicacy" that is animal cruelty in disguise. It turns out Sheraton’s owners -- Starwood Hotels and Resorts -- allow foie gras to be served at many of their over 1,200 hotels.

A simple search of foie gras exposes the violent overfeeding and gastrointestinal torture these animals are forced to submit to in order for this food item to be created. The practice is so cruel, many countries have banned it. It is still legal to sell in the United States, but responsible businesses can help cut demand for foie gras.

I am calling on Sheraton, and all Starwood Hotels, to remove this atrocious item from all of its hotel menus. Due to its size, Starwood Hotels and Resorts has the power to be at the forefront of removing foie gras and animal cruelty from mainstream restaurants and dining.

One of Starwood Hotels and Resorts values is: "Do the right thing by using good judgment, respecting our communities, associates, owners, partners and the environment". What better way to demonstrate good judgement, respect for community, and environmental responsibility than to recognize foie gras as an unnecessary and harmful practice that condones torture of animals for human consumption.

Please join me in calling on Starwood Hotels and Resorts to voluntarily take foie gras off their hotel menus.