A Pennsylvania school bus driver recently dismissed for displaying a sign prohibiting students from speaking Spanish insists her intention was not racist but aimed at curbing bullying she couldn’t comprehend.

Diane Crawford, 66, was terminated after 30 years on the job when a handwritten sign she posted drew widespread criticism. The sign read: “Out of respect to English-only students, there will be NO speaking Spanish on this bus.”

“I didn’t mean to be racially insensitive or anything like that,” Crawford explained to Local 21 News, her voice breaking with emotion.

She reflected on her choice of words, admitting, “Maybe I should have worded it differently. Perhaps it should have said, ‘No bullying in any language.’ My intention was solely to address what I perceived as bullying by one student speaking in Spanish.”

Following her dismissal from the Juniata County School District, Crawford now relies on Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP benefits to get by.

“I had to go on antidepressants because of this,” she said.

Crawford, who owned the bus and was subcontracted to work the district by company Rohrer Bus, said she got a call telling her that her contract had been terminated the night after she put up the sign.

“I think I just instantly went into shock,” she said.

She insists she put up the sign to encourage students to be respectful and that it was directed at one particular bilingual student who would cause problems speaking Spanish.

“I didn’t know if he was bullying somebody, telling them to do something that they shouldn’t do,” Crawford said. “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” is the Spanish word for “fat.”

The Juniata County School District and Rohrer Bus said in a joint statement that their investigation came to a quick conclusion because Crawford admitted to writing the note.

“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 said.

“Juniata County School District and Rohrer Bus stand by the decision made in this matter and remain committed to providing a safe and inclusive transportation environment for all students,” district and bus company officials added.