Cracker Barrel Settles: $100K for Autistic Students
When a group of elementary-school students with autism visited a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Waldorf, Maryland, as part of a school outing, they expected a welcoming environment to practice real-world skills. Instead, they reportedly faced delays and mistreatment that many say stemmed from their disabilities. This incident sparked a significant response from state authorities, culminating in a settlement that underscores the importance of inclusion and accountability in public spaces.
A School Outing Turns Into a Civil Rights Issue
On December 3, 2024, 11 students with autism and seven staff members from Dr. James Craik Elementary School arrived at the Cracker Barrel in Waldorf for a community-based instruction outing. This program is designed to help students generalize classroom skills in real-world settings. However, the group was allegedly refused dine-in service, despite prior notification to the restaurant about the visit and the size of the party.
The refusal was reportedly due to staffing shortages. Additionally, the restaurant was unable to accommodate a large group because part of the dining area was closed at the time. Still, the students and their teachers felt the treatment was unfair and discriminatory. The incident led to the dismissal of three Cracker Barrel employees, including the general manager, after an internal investigation by the company.
State Agencies Step In
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and the Civil Rights Division of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General launched a joint investigation into the incident. They examined whether Cracker Barrel violated state and federal laws that require public accommodations to provide full and equal enjoyment of services to individuals with disabilities, including those with cognitive or neurodivergent conditions.
The investigation found that the students were subjected to delays and mistreatment because of their disabilities, which is prohibited under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Maryland's State Government Code § 20-304. The commission's chairperson formally filed a complaint against Cracker Barrel, prompting the company to enter into a settlement agreement between December 4 and 12, 2024.
The Settlement: A Win for Inclusion and Accountability
Under the terms of the settlement, Cracker Barrel agreed to pay a total of $75,000 directly to the students, distributed through their parents or guardians. Additionally, the company committed $17,500 in donations to two specialized programs at Dr. James Craik Elementary School: Social Inclusion, Active Learning, and Rigo (SOAR), and Academics, Communications and Heightened Independence for Education, Vocation and Engagement (ACHIEVE). These programs support students with disabilities in their academic and social development.
Cracker Barrel also reimbursed $446.56 for expenses related to the original visit and contributed $9,000 to the Civil Rights Enforcement Fund, which supports statewide education and enforcement efforts. Beyond financial restitution, the company must issue a formal written apology to the affected students, parents, and teachers within ten business days of the agreement's execution.
Importantly, the settlement requires Cracker Barrel to overhaul its policies and training related to disability accommodations. The company will retain a law firm to review and update its public accommodation policies, explicitly affirming its commitment to reasonable modifications for individuals with disabilities, including cognitive and neurodivergent persons. Employees will receive updated annual training nationwide starting in 2026, with Maryland shift leaders required to complete enhanced training ahead of the national rollout. Revised policies and training materials must be submitted to the state within 120 days.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Change
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and the Attorney General's Civil Rights Division will monitor Cracker Barrel's compliance with the settlement. Should the company fail to meet its obligations, legal action may follow. This oversight ensures that the settlement is not just a one-time fix but a catalyst for lasting change.
Moreover, the collaboration between the school district and Cracker Barrel to provide disability awareness training exemplifies how communities can work together to foster understanding and respect. It's a hopeful sign that incidents like this can lead to positive outcomes, benefiting not only the students involved but also future patrons with disabilities.
References: Cracker Barrel Settles to Pay Over $100,000 After Alleged Mistreatment of Disabled Children | 3 Cracker Barrel Employees Fired After Not Seating Special Needs Students
