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Bus Driver Fired Over Sign Requesting Students Converse In English Speaks Out

Screenshot/Rumble/CBS 21 News

A Pennsylvania school bus driver who was fired over a sign requesting students only speak English broke her silence Thursday, telling a Harrisburg CBS affiliate her side of the story.

The Juniata County School District and Rorher Bus terminated the contract of Diane Crawford in February after she admitted posting the sign that read, “Out of respect to English only students, there will be no speaking Spanish on this bus.” Crawford told CBS 21 News in an interview that aired Thursday that she posted the sign to address a single student who she said was speaking Spanish to rile up other students.

“I didn’t know if he was bullying somebody, telling them to do something that they shouldn’t do,” Crawford said. “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.”

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Crawford told CBS 21 that she had requested help, but none came. A petition calling for her reinstatement has received over 1,000 signatures, but to date, the Juniata County School District and Rorher Bus have stood by their decision to fire Crawford.

“Following the incident in question, the District and Rohrer jointly reviewed the situation in accordance with established procedures,” the two entities said in a joint statement to CBS 21. “The investigation concluded after the subcontractor provided a written admission confirming that the signage had been installed on her bus. 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.”

“Juniata County School District and Rohrer Bus stand by the decision made in this matter and remain committed to providing a safe and inclusive transportation environment for all students,” the statement concluded.

In April 2024, 16-year-old Christian McGhee was suspended from school for three days for using the term “illegal alien” while seeking clarification about what a class was discussing while he had been using the restroom.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 1 declaring English as the official language of the United States.

“To promote unity, cultivate a shared American culture for all citizens, ensure consistency in government operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement, it is in America’s best interest for the Federal Government to designate one — and only one — official language,” the order states. “Establishing English as the official language will not only streamline communication but also reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society.”