ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis branch of the NAACP held a news conference Tuesday morning to discuss the results of a preliminary investigation into alleged racial incidents at Missouri Central Bus Company.
Adolphus Pruitt, the branch's president, said the group would seek the assistance of local, state and federal authorities during an expanded investigation into the allegations.
"Missouri Central Bus Company shop is one that is ... racially charged and is dysfunctional," Pruitt said.
The Missouri Central Bus Co. said it would not respond today to the allegations of racism because it was "an ongoing investigation with a third party."
But Scott Allen, regional operations manager for the bus company, wanted to respond to the NAACP's claim that the company's actions made students unsafe.
"Our vehicles go through a rigorous inspection process both from a daily inspection of drivers checking all safety equipment to a 90-day inspection and then the state of Missouri comes in annually and conducts their inspection," Allen said.
Jerry Ellis joined Pruitt on Tuesday. Ellis, who's been with Missouri Central Bus Co. since September, is one of two Black mechanics at the company.
Ellis has 30 years of experience as a mechanic. He says he's noticed bad brake systems, faulty parts and occasions of buses catching on fire.
Ellis said he's made several complaints to the company's human resources department about racial harassment, dirty and sexist jokes plus safety concerns regarding faulty bus parts.
"Somebody should say in that meeting that this needs to stop," Ellis said.
Ellis' coworker, Amin Mitchell, found a noose in February in the bus garage they work in.
"Nobody came up to me to apologize about finding a noose. Nobody came to me to see how hurt I am or to see how traumatized or how much pain I'm in," Mitchell said.
Last week, St. Louis Public Schools canceled after-school activities and couldn't guarantee a ride to or from school after nearly 100 drivers "called out of work."
Allen said there is an anonymous tip line for bus employees to report any issues.
"It seems to be somewhat of a pattern of the bus company, not taking safety issues seriously in our estimation, especially as relates to the braking systems," Pruitt said.
Ellis said if the bus company's investigation doesn't result in enough action, he's willing to quit his job.
"I hope that in the end our voice—not only our voice—but our ability to perform and our knowledge will be paid attention to," Ellis said.
Missouri Central Bus Co. said it doesn't have a timeline for when the third-party investigation into racial allegations will conclude.
St. Louis Public Schools said bus coverage has returned to normal.
Statement from St. Louis Public Schools
"The safety of our students is the number one priority of Saint Louis Public Schools, and we expect our vendors to share this priority. We have contracted with Missouri Central to provide transportation services for our students, and we are adamant about their responsibility to ensure every child placed in their care is safe and secure at all times. Anything less than this standard is unacceptable.
"While we do not have control over operations or personnel matters at Missouri Central, it is our hope that the internal conflict and what appears to be serious issues in their workplace environment can be resolved. SLPS remains hopeful that all parties can come together in good faith and stay focused on our shared commitment to serve the children of the City of St.
Louis. The well-being of our students is not negotiable, and they should never be affected by disagreements or disputes among adults.
"One of SLPS' core values is the maintenance of a safe and inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and races. We expect the same dedication to this principle from our vendors."
Statement from Missouri Central Bus Co.
"Missouri Central is in compliance with the State of Missouri regarding bus inspections. Our qualified team of maintenance professionals inspect SLPS buses, and any problems we identify are addressed."