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EBR school board member issues apology for profanity-laced tirade aimed at teens
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BATON ROUGE - Three days after East Baton Rouge Parish School Board member Connie Bernard was captured on video shouting profanities at a group of teens at their house, an apology was issued through her attorney.
Katherine Campbell said Bernard entered her house on Friday night while her son and his friends were sitting in the living room.
"My children were allowed to have a few people over about 9:30," Campbell recalled. "A neighbor, who we did not know was a neighbor, walked right in without knocking, without cause and started videoing and taking pics inside the house."
At that point Bernard was asked to leave, but she became irate and placed her hands around the neck of one of the teens inside as she shouted the "f-word."
"They are excellent children," Campbell said. "They've been here numerous times. They are welcome, and polite. I have never had an issue with any of those children, and I know them well. They are great kids."
Campbell was at a meeting out-of-town when the skirmish unfolded. Now, she's planning to file a restraining order against Bernard.
"If she actually had concerns that were legitimate, she should have called police or done what a normal citizen would have done," Campbell said. "More than that, her aggressive behavior and complete use of foul language, in front of these children, she doesn't just have any citizenship position, she has a school board position and her behavior in front of school children was absolutely appalling."
Campbell wants Bernard to resign from the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board since she said her true colors came out on Friday.
"Just remove yourself," Campbell said. "You have issues. Lots of people have issues, but the issue should not be one the school board or the children have to deal with just remove yourself and deal with your issues and that would be fine with me."
You can read Bernard's full apology below:
In response to recent news reports about an incident in my neighborhood Friday night, first, as a member of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, I want to offer an apology for distracting from the important work our students, educators and staff are doing.
Second, as a wife, mother and friend, I would like to apologize to my family and friends for any embarrassment and concern I may have caused them. Specifically, I would like to apologize for my language heard in that incident.
I am grateful for the outpouring of love and support from colleagues, friends and family over the weekend. I will continue to work tirelessly in service to our community and humbly ask for your prayers and support. I hope everyone understands that I am not able to comment any further on this incident. I plan to continue in my responsibilities and I will continue to work to maintain your trust and respect.
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