A Pennsylvania school bus driver, Diane Crawford, has been dismissed from her position for implementing a controversial policy that prohibited the use of Spanish on her bus.
The 66-year-old driver, who was subcontracted by Rohrer Bus to transport students to and from the Juniata County School District, justified her actions as a response to a Spanish-speaking student allegedly bullying others.
According to The Post Millennial, Crawford's contentious policy was communicated through a sign on her bus that read, "Out of respect to English-only students, there will be no speaking Spanish on this bus." The sign was purportedly signed by "ownership/management," as reported by CBS 21.
In her defense, Crawford explained that her intention was not to be racially insensitive. "I didn't mean to be racially insensitive or anything like that," she said. "Maybe I should have worded it different. Maybe it should have said, 'No bullying in any language,' but I didn't mean it to be anything but to correct him."
She further elaborated on the student's behavior, stating, "I didn't know if he was bullying somebody, telling them to do something that they shouldn't do. I thought I heard him saying, Gordo and I understand some of (the words) I don't know who he was talking to, but I assume he is directing at me." The term 'Gordo' translates to 'fat' in Spanish.
Having been a self-employed owner and operator of the school bus for 12 years, Crawford now faces financial uncertainty following her dismissal. "I don't know what else to do. I'm on Medicare and Medicaid now and SNAP," she said. "I had to go on antidepressants because of this." Crawford revealed that her contract was terminated overnight following the incident.
A GiveSendGo campaign has been established in her support, aiming to raise $20,000. As of Monday morning, over $9,000 has been collected.
The Juniata County School District and Rohrer Bus Service issued a joint statement addressing the incident. "Juniata County School District and Rohrer Bus Service are aware of the claims being raised regarding this matter and would like to clarify the record. Following the incident in question, the District and Rohrer jointly reviewed the situation in accordance with established procedures.
The investigation concluded after the subcontractor provided a written admission confirming that the signage had been installed on her bus."
The statement further clarified that the decision to terminate Crawford's contract was made after careful consideration of the facts. "At that point, the relevant facts of the situation were fully known and discussed among District and Rohrer leadership. Based on those facts, and after careful consideration, the District and Rohrer determined that the conduct did not align with the standards and expectations for student transportation providers.
While initial communications referenced a suspension pending investigation, the matter progressed quickly once the written statement was received, and a final decision was made without delay," the statement concluded.
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