An incident of Linguistic discrimination shook the county Juniatain Pennsylvaniaafter A school bus driver was suspended for placing a sign that prohibited students from speaking inside the vehicle. The news, which spread rapidly through the social networksgenerated outrage in public opinion and revived the debate on the importance of respect for linguistic diversity in educational centers.
The incident was released after the dissemination of a video in which a handwritten poster is observed and stuck on the front of the school bus. The sign, with a clear intention of censorship, said: “Out of respect for students who only speak English, Spanish speaking will not be allowed to speak on this bus!“. The image of the sign soon was viralized, unleashing a wave of criticism and accusations towards the driver and the transport company.
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Before public pressure, both the Juniata County School District As the Rohrer Bus transport company, to which the school bus belongs, confirmed the driver’s suspension and announced an internal investigation to clarify what happened. David SchrantzVice President of Rohrer Bus, declared to local media that the company did not authorize, created or approved the message of the poster, thus demarcating the controversy.
For its part, the Superintendent of the School District, Christie L. Holdermanhe described the poster as “inappropriate” in a statement aimed at students’ families. Holderman emphasized that contractor’s actions do not represent the values of the Juniata County School Districtseeking to convey a message of tranquility to the educational community.
This incident occurs in a context of growing concern for linguistic discrimination in USAespecially against the Hispanic community. Various civil rights organizations raised their voice to denounce this type of attitudes and demand measures that guarantee respect for cultural and linguistic diversity in educational spaces.
The controversy poster
The prohibition of speaking Spanish on a school bus not only represents an affront to Spanish -speaking students, but also contravenes federal civil rights laws that protect the right of students to express themselves in their mother tongue. He US Department of Education It was emphatic in pointing out that the use of a language other than English cannot be discrimination in educational environments.
Greater organization
Organizations of parents convened meetings to discuss how to strengthen the policies of inclusion in district schools. Some propose the creation of diversity committees that work together with school authorities to monitor and promote an inclusive educational environment, where the wealth of cultural and linguistic diversity is celebrated.
The United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Leagueone of the most important civil rights organizations, condemned the event through a statement. Lulac stressed the importance of protecting the right of students to express themselves in their mother tongue, in accordance with federal civil rights laws in the educational field.
He Juniata County School District confirmed that he is collaborating with Rohrer Bus in the investigation of the incident and that will take the necessary measures to avoid similar situations in the future. In addition, informative sessions for parents and students on civil rights and cultural diversity are being carried out, according to the Office of the District Superintendence.
