Cracker Barrel is being slammed for refusing service to a group of disabled students, resulting in a planned boycott of the popular chain.
Videos by Wide Open Country
In an attempt to give a group of disabled students a lesson in real-life situations, the Cracker Barrel excursion got a little bit too real. Charles County Public Schools puts together CBI or community-based instruction lessons. These are intended to help kids get used to life outside of the classroom.
Cracker Barrel was on the list as a place appropriate and safe to conduct these lessons. So, the school called ahead, looking to book a trip. However, on arrival, they were treated in a way they didn't see as fair.
In an open letter by Charles County Public School, they state that before visiting Cracker Barrel they were "reportedly told by restaurant staff that no reservations were necessary." However, "Upon arrival, the students and staff were declined service and asked to no longer include the restaurant on its CBI list."
According to the Instagram post, they were willing to split into smaller tables. However, the Cracker Barrel was still unwilling to host disabled students and carers. I have to say, as far as real-life experiences go, they nailed it.
Planned Boycott of Cracker Barrel By Disabled Student's Parents
Despite the fact that Cracker Barrel has made a statement explaining the situation, some parents are
planning a protest.Cracker Barrel has spoken to CBS about the incident. They clarified "Our missteps last week were unfortunate but were unrelated to the students' capabilities." They went on to say "They were due to our inability to accommodate a party of 18 that arrived when we were facing unexpected staffing issues and had partially closed our second dining room." Cracker Barrel has assured parents that it had nothing to do with the nature of the disabled students. It was simply a problem with space.
However, the witch hunt is on, and furious folks have taken to Facebook to vent their rage. They have planned a protest in front of the responsible Cracker Barrel. They plan to make their thoughts on their treatment of disabled students known.
"I will be there. Don't have any kids here in the county but my granddaughter is autistic and I hope if this ever happens to her, folks will stand together for her! #Imthere" one commenter states. She has free time, and she isn't afraid to use it. She can pop in for some of that famous fried chicken after if they have space.
