Parents in Maryland are outraged after their special education students were denied service at a Cracker Barrel restaurant during an educational outing organized by Charles County Public Schools District. The outing was part of community-based instruction programs for students with autism and significant cognitive disabilities, but the students were refused service at the restaurant. Despite issuing an apology, parents were furious and one parent even organized a protest at the location.
The superintendent of the school district confirmed that a group of students and staff were refused service at the restaurant, leading to a negative experience for the students. The group ended up placing a to-go order but were treated rudely while waiting for their food. The students were eventually moved to the school bus and had to eat their lunch at the school.
Cracker Barrel attributed the incident to a staffing challenge that led to confusion in handling the group’s request, but they are working with the school district to address the situation. In response, a protest organized by a parent is planned at the restaurant to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of special education students.
The parent leading the protest hopes to show that children with disabilities should not be treated differently and deserve the same respect and service as anyone else. The incident has sparked emotions of anger and sadness among parents, who are determined to ensure that their children are not discriminated against in the future.
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