11 special education students and seven staff members from Maryland's Charles County Public Schools were refused service at a Waldorf Cracker Barrel during a community-based instruction outing. Despite notifying the restaurant in advance of the visit's purpose and size, the group was told upon arrival that they could not be accommodated. The students, who are part of programs supporting those with significant cognitive disabilities and autism, rely on these outings to build social and practical skills. Staff reported that servers were rude, ignored the students, and made no effort to offer drinks or take orders. After waiting an hour, the group received their food to-go and returned to the school to eat. Parents expressed outrage, with one mother describing her autistic son’s experience as heartbreaking. Cracker Barrel attributed the incident to "staffing challenges" that led to partial dining room closures and promised to address the matter with the group’s leadership. However, the incident has sparked significant public backlash. A protest is being organized to draw attention to the mistreatment and to advocate for inclusivity.