PA bus driver fired over posting 'English-only' sign—she was trying to stop bullying by Spanish-speaking kid

( Post Millennial )

A Pennsylvania school bus driver has been fired for putting up a sign that said there should be no speaking in Spanish "out of respect for English-only students" riding to school on the bus. After being fired, Diane Crawford, 66, said she should have "worded it differently," but added that the measure was in response to a Spanish-speaking student bullying others.  

Crawford was fired from her position earlier in 2025 after posting a sign on her school bus that read in full, "Out of respect to English-only students, there will be no speaking Spanish on this bus." The sign also indicated that the policy note was signed by "ownership/management," per CBS 21.  

The bus driver told her side of the story to the outlet, saying that there was a student on the bus who allegedly had a history of poking fun at other students in Spanish. "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."

Crawford later explained of the student's conduct, "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." Gordo in Spanish means "fat." 

Crawford, as a self-employed owner and operator of the school bus, was subcontracted by Rohrer Bus to drive kids to and from school at the Juniata County School District 12 years ago. Now she does not know what she will do as she struggles to make ends meet. 

"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 said her supervisor called her overnight after the incident, and that her contract was ended. A GiveSendGo has been set up on behalf of Crawford with a goal of $20,000. As of Monday morning, over $9,000 has been raised to support Crawford. 

The Juniata County School District, as well as Rohrer Bus Service, said in a joint statement, "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."

"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 added.