A stunning signal banning college students from talking Spanish was plastered on a Pennsylvania faculty bus this week — prompting outrage and a bus firm to be banned.
The handwritten observe — studying “Out of respect for English only students there will be NO speaking Spanish on this bus!” — was discovered by a livid dad or mum of Juniata County Faculty District.
Based on the newest US Census knowledge, Juniata County is overwhelmingly white — with 94% of the inhabitants figuring out as such.
Hispanic and Latino peoples make up the second-most populous race within the county, however simply 900 individuals of the 23,500-strong inhabitants are categorized as such.
It’s unclear how lengthy the signal was posted inside the college bus. U.S. Census knowledge from 2020 mentioned over 900 individuals in Juniata County had been thought-about Hispanic or Latino on the time.
The signal was signed by “owner/management” — who has since been barred from working with the district.
Neither the district nor Rohrer Bus, which connects the college district with bus operators, would disclose who the proprietor is, however each adamantly claimed that they had nothing to do with the signal.
“Initial reports referencing the source of the note as “owner/management” create the notion that this observe was licensed by representatives of Rohrer Bus,” the corporate mentioned in an announcement Saturday.
“We want to make it explicitly clear that Rohrer Bus did not author or endorse this statement in any way. Such language and sentiments are entirely contrary to our company’s values and commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all students, families, and staff.”
The “transportation partner” didn’t identify the bus operator, however mentioned it suspended the supplier “as a precautionary measure.”
Rohrer Bus and officers from the Juniata County Faculty District have launched an investigation into the incident
“Please know that we took immediate and appropriate action to address the situation. We are currently investigating the incident thoroughly and are ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to prevent something like this from happening again,” the district’s superintendent, Christie Holderman, mentioned in an announcement Saturday.
“We understand the gravity of this situation, and we apologize again for any concern it may have caused. Thank you for your continued support as we work through this matter.”
The college district didn’t instantly reply to additional questions on what “immediate action” was taken.
In mild of the incident, Rohrer Bus plans to implement further coaching packages targeted on range, fairness and inclusion.
