Protest planned after special needs students denied service at Maryland Cracker Barrel
Maryland Cracker Barrel facing backlash over alleged discrimination
Outrage is growing over the alleged treatment of special education students who were on a field trip to Cracker Barrel in Waldorf, Maryland. The student’s parents say their kids were refused service and discriminated against. FOX 5's Shirin Rajaee has the latest details.
WALDORF, Md. - Parents and community members are expressing outrage after a group of special education students on a field trip were allegedly refused service at the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Waldorf earlier this month.
The incident occurred on Dec. 3 and involved 11 elementary school students with disabilities, including autism, along with seven staff members. Dustin Reed, the father of a 5-year-old nonverbal child who was part of the group, said the experience was devastating.
"It’s sad. My daughter’s mother and I cried over this. It’s heartbreaking to say the least," Reed said.
According to Reed, teachers who accompanied the students reported being met with rude behavior upon arriving at the restaurant.
"The teachers told us they were rude when they came into the establishment. They told them that they would not be accommodating this type of group," he recalled.
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Cracker Barrel refuses service to special needs students in Waldorf, MD
A group of disabled students were turned away from a Cracker Barrel in Waldorf, MD last week.
In a letter to parents, Charles County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Navarro expressed dismay over the incident, stating she was "disheartened" to learn that students and staff were refused service. She added that the restaurant has been removed from the school’s community-based instruction program.
Cracker Barrel has since apologized, dismissed three employees — including the general manager of the Waldorf location — and pledged to improve its service.
In a statement, the company said operational failures, exacerbated by staffing shortages, were to blame for the incident.
"We did not refuse service to this student group, but operational breakdowns caused by staffing shortages and poor communication on our part led us to fall well short of our service standards that day. This is unacceptable," a company spokesperson said.
The company also noted that senior executives met with school leadership, teachers, and parents on Monday to address the situation directly.
Cracker Barrel has committed to conducting an internal investigation, enhancing employee training, and reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity.
Despite these steps, Reed said the meeting offered little reassurance.
"It was a nightmare. They took no accountability for anything," he said.
Reed has organized a protest at the restaurant, scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. Meanwhile, Cracker Barrel reiterated its dedication to addressing the issue and fostering better relationships with the community.
"We strive to create a welcoming environment and great experience for guests of all abilities. We would be honored to host this student program if they will give us another chance," the company’s statement read.