Diane Crawford, a 66-year-old Pennsylvania bus driver, was fired in February 2025 for posting an ‘English-only’ sign on her bus.
As of December 22, 2025, Diane Crawford, a 66-year-old veteran school bus driver in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, has drawn renewed attention for her 2025 firing after posting a controversial handwritten note on her bus. The incident, which sparked a community petition and ongoing debate, trended on social media with hashtags like #DianeCrawford and #EnglishOnlyBus as supporters and critics shared perspectives on free speech, inclusivity, and school bus conduct.
The Incident
In January 2025, Crawford placed a sign on her bus window that read: “Out of respect to English-only students, there will be no speaking Spanish on this bus.” The note, signed “ownership/management,” was intended to address behavior from a specific bilingual student she believed was riling up others or bullying in Spanish—a language she could not understand. Crawford later explained she was concerned about maintaining control on the bus and had requested help from supervisors without success.
The sign went viral, was labeled “racially insensitive,” and led to her termination on February 1, 2025, by Rohrer Bus, the transportation contractor for the Juniata County School District. Crawford claims she was fired without a suspension or full investigation, despite initial statements suggesting a precautionary suspension.
Background and Career
Crawford had served as a bus driver for the Juniata County School District for over 30 years, subcontracted through Rohrer Bus for the past 12 years. A self-employed owner/operator, she purchased her own bus and route in 2024 to continue serving students. She described herself as deeply committed to the children, stating the job was her life and that she “loved the kids” and “the kids loved me.”
Following the termination, Crawford reported severe financial and emotional hardship, including reliance on Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and antidepressants due to the stress.
Reactions
The firing sparked polarized responses. A petition to reinstate Crawford gathered over 1,000 signatures, with supporters arguing the note was taken out of context and aimed at preventing bullying, not discrimination. Some community members described her as a “beloved” driver dedicated to student safety.
Messed up https://t.co/Vba66GwZ6P
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 22, 2025
The Juniata County School District and Rohrer Bus stood by the decision, issuing a joint statement emphasizing their commitment to a “safe and inclusive” environment. They noted the investigation concluded quickly after Crawford admitted to posting the sign and conducted diversity training in April 2025. Crawford has expressed regret over the wording, suggesting alternatives like “No bullying in any language,” and is seeking over $30,000 in compensation to cover her losses.
Conclusion
Diane Crawford’s case highlights tensions between maintaining bus discipline and promoting inclusivity in diverse school settings. As she continues to speak out, the incident remains a point of discussion in the community about communication, cultural sensitivity, and fairness in employment decisions.
What do you think about the situation— a misunderstanding or a necessary action? Share your thoughts below.