# Maryland bus driver dismissal controversy > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maryland-bus-driver-dismissal-controversy > Updated: 2026-10-13T16:10:12.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Cynthia Morgan, a bus driver for Cleary Transportation Inc. serving Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) in Maryland, was removed from her route after stopping her vehicle to allow a 10-year-old student to rescue an injured kitten on Heaps School Road. HCPS stated that student safety is the top priority and noted that a video review showed the driver allowed a student to leave the bus and permitted the animal to remain on board. The district indicated that the driver’s removal involved multiple circumstances, though they declined to discuss specific certification details. HCPS clarified that Morgan is an employee of an independent contractor rather than a direct employee of the school system. The dismissal has drawn significant community response. A Change.org petition calling for her reinstatement grew from over 1,500 signatures to more than 10,200. The animal rights organization PETA joined the effort, urging the Harford County Board of Education to reverse the decision and stating that schools should “nurture compassion rather than punish it.” ## Timeline ### 2026-10-13: Maryland bus driver faces reinstatement calls after kitten rescue A Maryland school bus driver has been fired for allowing a student to rescue an injured kitten, sparking a petition with over 10,000 signatures and support from PETA to reinstate her. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maryland-bus-driver-faces-reinstatement-calls-after-kitten-rescue ### 2026-10-09: Maryland bus driver removed after stopping to rescue kitten A Maryland school bus driver was removed from her route after stopping to let a student rescue an injured kitten. Local parents have launched a petition to reinstate her. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maryland-bus-driver-removed-after-stopping-to-rescue-kitten --- Cite as: Maryland bus driver dismissal controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maryland-bus-driver-dismissal-controversy