Community Demands Answers After Bus Driver Fired Over Harmless Handshake With Student

A Virginia school district has reinstated a bus driver who previously resigned after sharing a video on social media highlighting the personalized handshakes with her students. The footage depicted the driver fostering relationships with those she transports daily, appearing innocuous and enjoyable. However, Chesapeake Public Schools deemed the content a breach of their strict “zero tolerance” policy, which prohibits employees from posting images of students on personal social media. Jessica Flowers was found to have recorded the students without parental consent. The district’s statement emphasized adherence to regulations regarding student privacy and professional conduct.Upon being confronted, Flowers deleted the video, pleading for a second chance, explaining her dedication as a single parent. However, she was offered the choice to resign or face termination and ultimately resigned.A fundraiser initiated by attorney Tim Anderson raised $10,000 swiftly, and after several weeks, Flowers was reinstated, much to the relief of many who supported her return.