Cracker Barrel Faces Backlash for Allegedly Refusing Service to Students with Disabilities

A Maryland Cracker Barrel apologized after turning away a group of special education students, citing staffing issues, as protests and community outrage grow.

A group of 11 special education students and 7 staff members from Charles County Public Schools were allegedly denied service at a Cracker Barrel in Waldorf, Maryland, during a planned field trip on December 3.
The visit was part of a community-based instruction program designed to teach life skills, and the restaurant had been informed of the visit in advance, according to school officials.
Cracker Barrel cited staffing shortages and a partially closed dining room as reasons for their inability to accommodate the group but denied the refusal was related to the students' disabilities.
Parents and community members expressed outrage over the incident, with some alleging discrimination; a protest is planned at the restaurant on December 15, with over 70 people expected to attend.
Cracker Barrel issued an apology and stated they are working with the school to address the incident, with discussions including potential disability awareness training for staff and future collaboration opportunities.

The Providence Journal