Rutgers Bus Driver Claims He Was Fired For Prayer

Students at Rutgers University are coming to the defense of a popular school bus driver who was recently fired, nj.com reports.

First Transit officials claim they fired Stan McNeill for safety violations, but McNeill claims he was fired because he said a prayer for a disabled student, according to the report.

First Transit is the Ohio based contractor that oversees bus service on campus.

McNeill is known by students for giving inspirational speeches while transporting them, according to the report. His speeches have been recorded by students and posted on social media.

First Transit spokeswoman Stephanie Creech told nj.com that it appreciated McNeill’s rapport with the students. She also said they respected his religious beliefs.

The incident in question concerns McNeill putting his hand on a disabled woman who was confined to a wheelchair and asking for “God to heal her,” according to the report. He said he was pressured to resign after that incident. It was unclear who reported the incident to the company, according to the report.

Students have posted videos of his speeches on YouTube, Facebook and other social media outlets in a show of support for McNeill. They say he didn’t attempt to push his religious beliefs on anyone, according to the report.

One video is attached to this post.

Other videos can be found here.