Contractor Blames Muslim Students' Behavior For Bus Incidents
First Student Denies Discrimination
POSTED: 9:50 a.m. EST November 5, 2003
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A school bus contractor accused of discriminating against Muslim students last week has responded to the accusations.
About 20 students said they were kicked off a First Student school bus because of their Arab American heritage. But according to the bus company, the students disobeyed bus stop rules, misbehaved while on the bus and were verbally abusive to the driver.
The bus company said that behavior got the kids kicked off, but the students deny doing anything wrong.
The students told Channel 4 this has happened more than once. Last Wednesday, the driver forced them off the bus several miles before their bus stop. On Friday, they say another bus failed to pick them up at all.
But according to First Student, the first time the students were being too noisy, and distracting the driver. They say they sent a second bus, but the students refused to ride it.
The American Civil Liberties Union has joined an Islamic group in urging an inquiry into the two incidents. Duval County school officials said they are conducting their own investigation.
Copyright 2003 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
About 20 students said they were kicked off a First Student school bus because of their Arab American heritage. But according to the bus company, the students disobeyed bus stop rules, misbehaved while on the bus and were verbally abusive to the driver.
The bus company said that behavior got the kids kicked off, but the students deny doing anything wrong.
The students told Channel 4 this has happened more than once. Last Wednesday, the driver forced them off the bus several miles before their bus stop. On Friday, they say another bus failed to pick them up at all.
But according to First Student, the first time the students were being too noisy, and distracting the driver. They say they sent a second bus, but the students refused to ride it.
The American Civil Liberties Union has joined an Islamic group in urging an inquiry into the two incidents. Duval County school officials said they are conducting their own investigation.
Previous Stories:
- November 2, 2003: ACLU Joins Request For Probe Of Bus Drivers
- October 31, 2003: Students: Bus Driver Stranded Us Again
- October 30, 2003: Middle Eastern Children Allegedly Kicked Off Bus
Copyright 2003 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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