December 11th 2024.
A recent incident at a Cracker Barrel in Waldorf, Maryland has sparked controversy and widespread criticism. On December 3rd, a group of 11 students with disabilities visited the restaurant as part of a community-based instruction program organized by their school, Charles County Public Schools (CCPS). The program was designed to give students real-world experience by practicing skills they learned in the classroom in public spaces, such as retail shops and restaurants.
According to a statement released by CCPS Superintendent Maria V. Navarro on December 5th, the students and seven staff members were denied service by Cracker Barrel staff and asked to remove the restaurant from their list of approved locations for future trips. The group was only able to place a carry-out order. Navarro expressed disappointment in the treatment the students received, stating that they are the school's top priority.
Parent Stacey Campbell shared her account of the incident, stating that the children were seated in a closed-off area while waiting for their food. A CCPS worker also took to social media to express their frustration, claiming that the restaurant staff were immediately rude to them. The worker also mentioned that they had previously discussed splitting the large group into multiple tables to make it easier for the staff to serve them.
In response to the incident, Navarro confirmed that CCPS had notified Cracker Barrel of the planned visit and its purpose, as well as the number of people in the group. The restaurant had also been on the list of approved locations for special needs students and had been informed that a reservation was not necessary. However, according to Today, Cracker Barrel released a statement claiming that the incident was not related to the students' capabilities. They stated that the restaurant was understaffed and that a portion of the dining room was closed, leading to miscommunication and misunderstandings.
In light of the alleged discrimination, CCPS parent Dustin Reed has organized a protest at the Waldorf Cracker Barrel on December 15th at 1:00 PM, using the hashtag #CanWeEatNow. Reed shared on Facebook that a recent meeting between CCPS parents and corporate representatives left them even more upset, as the district manager who requested the meeting did not attend. The community has also expressed their support for the students and their disappointment in Cracker Barrel, with many planning to boycott the restaurant.
On a positive note, other retailers and restaurants have reached out to CCPS, inviting the students to visit their locations for future trips. Cracker Barrel's district manager has also stated that they are open to working with CCPS to improve their protocols and provide better service for all customers. The incident has sparked a larger conversation about discrimination and the need for more inclusive environments in the community.
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