Parents outraged after meeting with Cracker Barrel regarding treatment of students

Parents met with Cracker Barrel executives following a group of special education students being turned away from dine-in service at the Waldorf location in Maryland. The meeting was emotional and tense, with 20-25 people in attendance, including parents and leaders from the school district. The incident involved 11 students with disabilities being refused service while on a field trip. Company executives apologized for the incident and mentioned conflicting accounts of what happened. Cracker Barrel confirmed that staff shortages and communication issues led to falling short of service standards that day. Three workers, including the general manager, were dismissed, and the location will receive additional training. In response, a protest was organized by a parent of a special needs child, with over 200 participants showing interest. The incident triggered memories for other parents of similar experiences with their children with disabilities facing discrimination. The increasing prevalence of autism in children was highlighted, with parents expressing the need for more support and resources. Despite the incident, parents stand by the special education programs that have allowed their children to thrive and blossom. In the end, the parents affirmed their commitment to the SOAR program at Charles County Public Schools as the best place for their children with autism to learn and grow.

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