A Pennsylvania school bus driver’s decades-long career came to an abrupt halt earlier this year after she posted a sign instructing students to speak only English on her route, prompting an investigation from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The case has reignited debates over “DEI” policies in schools and the limits of free speech in educational settings.
Diane Crawford, 66, had served more than 30 years as a driver for the Juniata County School District through the subcontractor Rohrer Bus Service.
In February, her contract was terminated following her placement of a sign in her bus window that read, “Out of respect to English-only students, there will be no speaking Spanish on this bus.”
Crawford explained the sign was meant to address a specific student allegedly causing disruptions in Spanish.
“I didn’t mean to be racially insensitive or anything like that,” Crawford told CBS 21. “Maybe I should have worded it differently. Maybe it should have said, ‘No bullying in any language.’ But I didn’t mean to be anything but to correct him.”
Crawford noted that the town has many bilingual students, and she sought to maintain order and civility on her route without targeting any particular group.
After her termination, Crawford said she struggled financially and mentally, relying on SNAP benefits and Medicare while being prescribed antidepressants.
She also expressed concern over covering the $30,000 cost of the bus and route she purchased in 2024, a figure she hoped the district and bus company would acknowledge in restitution.
The school district and Rohrer Bus issued a joint statement clarifying their decision.
“Following the incident in question, the District and Rohrer jointly reviewed the situation in accordance with established procedures,” the statement read, according to Newsweek. “The investigation concluded after the subcontractor provided a written admission confirming that the signage had been installed on her bus.”
“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.”
Officials noted that formal training was subsequently conducted by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
The sessions focused on professional expectations, student equity, and appropriate response protocols, aiming to ensure compliance with school district policies.
Crawford’s story caught national attention when Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division posted about the incident on X over the weekend, as noted by BizPac Review.
“This is deeply concerning. I have directed @CivilRights to open an investigation into this situation implicating DEI wokeness,” she wrote.
Social media users quickly rallied in support of the driver, raising funds through GiveSendGo and circulating petitions advocating her reinstatement.
Despite her termination, Crawford emphasized her dedication to the students she served.
“I dedicated everything I had to driving a bus. And it was for the kids. I loved the kids. The kids loved me,” she said, highlighting the personal investment she made over decades of service.
The incident has sparked broader discussions over balancing cultural sensitivity with maintaining order on school property, as well as the influence of DEI policies in public education.
The DOJ’s investigation will examine whether Crawford’s firing violated civil rights protections, keeping the debate in the public eye as officials and citizens weigh the implications.
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