DOJ Opens Civil Rights Probe After Pennsylvania Bus Driver Is Fired Over “English‑Only” Sign
The Justice Department launched a Civil Rights Division investigation after Diane Crawford, a 66‑year‑old Juniata County bus driver, was fired for posting a handwritten “English‑only” sign on her school bus — raising questions about safety, language and discrimination.
- Diane Crawford, 66, a bus driver of more than 35 years, was terminated by contractor Rohrer Bus after acknowledging a handwritten sign banning Spanish on her bus.
- The school and contractor said the note violated standards for student transportation providers and ended her subcontracted route after a joint review.
- The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division announced an investigation on Dec. 22, 2025; Crawford has welcomed the probe.
Background: What Crawford Says Happened
Diane Crawford told local reporters she posted a handwritten sign that read, “Out of respect to English-only students, there will be no speaking Spanish on this bus.” She said the sign followed repeated incidents in which a bilingual student was “riling up other riders” and directed insults at her, including a word she described as “Gordo.” Crawford said she placed the note to restore control and that she did not intend the message to be racist.
In her words: “How do you keep control of your bus if you have no control?” she told local media, and she later suggested a different wording such as “No bullying in any language.”
The Firing and the Review
Rohrer Bus and the Juniata County School District said they received a report about the sign and conducted a joint review. After Crawford acknowledged posting the note, officials concluded her conduct violated standards expected of student transportation providers, which prioritize safe, respectful and professional service and the well‑being of students.
Crawford says she received an overnight phone call ending her contract and that she was not suspended or given a hearing before the decision. Early communications referenced a suspension pending investigation; the final decision to end the contract followed quickly.
School Response and Training
District and contractor officials defended the termination and pointed to established procedures: transportation providers must follow district policy, report incidents through proper channels, and allow administrators and families to address student conduct together. After the episode, the district and contractor arranged training for transportation staff.
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission provided a session for providers on April 17, 2025, covering responsibilities, expectations and protocols for handling similar incidents.
DOJ Civil Rights Investigation
On Dec. 22, 2025, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon posted on X that the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division would open an investigation into the case. The announcement drew national attention and hundreds of online responses. Crawford said she welcomed the probe.
As of the announcement date, officials had not disclosed the exact scope or timing of any federal inquiry, including whether it will focus on potential discrimination based on national origin or language.
Crawford’s Situation After the Firing
Crawford told reporters the firing left her in financial distress. She said she relies on Medicare, Medicaid and SNAP benefits, takes antidepressants and had purchased a route and bus in 2024 — seeking roughly $30,000 to cover that loss. A petition asking the district to rehire her had gathered more than 1,000 signatures.
“This feels like it erased decades of service,” Crawford told local reporters, describing the personal and financial impact of the termination.
Media Coverage and Public Reaction
Local outlets including CBS 21/local21news and ABC News 4 have published interviews and follow‑up reporting. A video summarizing the account and the sign is available on YouTube. Public reaction ranged from discussions of language and culture to debates about workplace rules and student safety.
Legal and Policy Issues at Stake
The case highlights the tension between managing student behavior to preserve safety and avoiding discrimination. Federal civil‑rights law bars discrimination based on national origin, and courts and the DOJ have interpreted that protection to include language. Key questions include:
- When can a driver take direct disciplinary action? Contractors and school officials must clarify the limits of enforcement versus reporting.
- How do policies address language? Neutral, enforceable rules that prohibit bullying in any language may reduce conflict while protecting rights.
- What remedies or exposures arise if the DOJ finds a civil‑rights violation?
Implications for San Diego, California
Though the incident occurred in Pennsylvania, it carries practical lessons for districts such as San Diego Unified:
- Policy and training: Review bus conduct policies and ensure contractors and drivers know reporting channels and de‑escalation techniques.
- Legal exposure: Re‑check compliance with federal rules protecting students from discrimination based on national origin or language to limit legal risk.
- Community trust: Reinforce outreach and bilingual communication so Spanish‑speaking families remain informed and included.
- Practical steps: Make conduct policies and reporting resources publicly available in both English and Spanish; train drivers on documentation and when to escalate incidents to administrators.
Sources and Reporting Notes
This article draws on reporting and interviews from local and national outlets, including ABC News 4 (WJAR), CBS 21/local21news, and a related summary video on YouTube. The DOJ Civil Rights announcement was posted publicly on X by the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights on Dec. 22, 2025.
Reporting team note: Times Media Service correspondents used on‑the‑record interviews with Diane Crawford and statements from Rohrer Bus and the Juniata County School District. No final outcomes in the DOJ Civil Rights investigation had been reported as of Dec. 22, 2025.
