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Bus monitor Karen Klein, an elderly grandmother of eight, was bullied by a group of teenage students on their way home from Athena Middle School in Greece, New York. A video of the students verbally abusing Klein was posted on Reddit and went viral, sparking global outrage and boosting an Indiegogo campaign for donations to send Klein on a vacation.
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Karen Klein, 68, wrote on her Facebook page after the incident that she would continue to "work ... unless I come into lots of money." With 30 days left in the Indiegogo campaign, she may be able to retire and take a permanent vacation. The Karen Fundraiser has collected more than $115,000 in a day.
The disturbing 10-minute clip shows teens mocking Klein relentlessly about her weight and appearance and Klein crying. Comments included: "Dumb-ass, fat-ass." "I'll egg your house." "What's your address so I can p--- all over your door." "I'll f---ing take a c--- in your mouth." "She probably eats deodorant because she can't afford real food." and "If I stabbed you in the stomach, my knife would f------ go through like butter, because it's all f------ lard."
Klein is hearing-impaired and did not hear all of the comments until she was shown the video at the police station. She says the most disturbing was: "You're so ugly, your kids should kill themselves." Klein's son committed suicide 10 years ago.
At one point Klein says: "Unless you have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." To which a kid responds: "Shut the f--- up." The kid then asks her if she was sweating. "No, I'm crying," Klein says.
The children involved in the incident have been named and shamed online. They face disciplinary measures from their school.
Klein, a widow of 17 years, worked as a bus driver for 20 years and a bus monitor for the past three. She was being paid $15,000 per year.
Police are not pressing charges against the kids. Dou you think they should? Tell us in the comments below.
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