Maryland Cracker Barrel apologizes after turning away students with disabilities
A group of students with disabilities visited a Cracker Barrel in Waldorf, Maryland, and were refused service, according to school officials, leading to community outcry and a planned protest.
A group of students with disabilities visited a Cracker Barrel in Waldorf, Maryland, and were refused service, according to school officials, leading to community outcry and a planned protest.
Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) superintendent Maria V. Navarro wrote in a statement Thursday that 11 students with disabilities and seven staff members visited the restaurant two days earlier. The field trip was part of a community-based instruction program meant to hone life skills, including interacting with others in public spaces like retail shops and restaurants.
Navarro wrote that, prior to the visit, staff notified the Cracker Barrel location of the group’s plans, including headcount and purpose of the visit. According to CCPS, they were told that no reservation was needed.
“Upon arrival, the students and staff were declined service and asked to no longer include the restaurant on its CBI list," Navarro wrote, adding that the group was able to place a carryout order.
Stacey Campbell, a parent of one of the students involved, shared an email from a CCPS staff member in a Facebook post, which offered more details.
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