Activist erupts on school board member for shopping during hearing For everyone who is wondering this is the full video of Connie Bernard abusing a student in their home. He was sharing his unfiltered and uncut opinions in support of changing the name of a high school named after Confederate general Robert E. Lee in the district after he caught her shopping online during the school board meeting. I was actually taking notes, paying attention, reading online comments.. A video of local activist Gary Chambers confronting Bernard during the meeting went viral over the weekend. After Chambers alleged that Bernard was shopping online during the hearing, he shared a photo on Instagram that appears to show her looking at a shopping site. 2023 Cox Media Group. Bernards actions show she didnt give a damn about the topic, Chambers said, while urging her to step down immediately. In response, over the weekend, Chambers shared video footage on Instagram that appears to show Bernard scrolling an online shopping site for several seconds. SORRY - unable to post video at the site- A MUST SEE one. Just before this vote I asked the Black board members to stay in solidarity. 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Moore said he went forward with charges after waiting months for Bernard to produce mitigating evidence that may have allowed him to resolve the matter without going to court, and he said hes still in hopes that such documentation will be forthcoming. I joined this race purely to serve, and Im looking forward to the next phase of the election. BATON ROUGE - For the second straight weekend, the LSU baseball team completed the sweep. I had intended to get up here and talk about how racist Robert E. Lee was, but Im going to talk about you, Connie. She also told the news outlet that she had had issues with technology and that what people thought they saw was actually a pop-up ad. Elected official caught and called out for online shopping during At a press briefing Monday afternoon, two board members joined Howard and Lanus in asking for her immediate resignation. She can easily say the voters said they wanted me, so Im back, said Darr. FAB FLIX OF THE DAY: THURSDAY, APRIL 27TH! "Robert E. Lee Was a Brutal Slave Master": Activist's Call to Rename We've all been pretty fed up with the blatant racism in repsonse to black America saying NOTONOURWATCHANYMORE. Before the meeting began, the advocacy group "Stand for Children" announced it was calling for Bernard to step down. "We'd like to see her do the right thing, but we're also prepared to take the next step.". Mr. Despite denial, records show extensive online shopping by Connie Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Confederate figures across the country have been taken down. Shes defending Robert E. Lee as if he was a good man. Although the school board cannot remove Bernard, they can pressure her into resigning. That needs to change in a city that is 56% Black. During Thursdays meeting, many of Bernards fellow board members expressed their disappointment in her suggestion that people research Lee more before insisting that the school change its name. A weak frontal system will push through the Friday AM Forecast: Plenty of sunshine today, No. Thank you Mr. A status conference has been scheduled for May 23 before State District Judge Louis Daniel. [CDATA[ // <! East Baton Rouge Parish school system is 80% Black and Bernard believes we should keep a school named after a man who fought to keep slavery. I stand on that. She was a school board member 4 years ago when they voted to keep Lee associated with the school. "Not one part of what I saw or what I heard, had anything to do with putting the children first," Tony Jones said. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Peep the clip below: A post shared by Kimberly Latrice Jones (@kimberlylatricejones) on May 31, 2020 at 4:18pm PDT. On Thursday, the board ended up unanimously voting to hear recommendations for a new name of the high school. Watch the 2 Your Health report for Wednesday, Watch the 2 Your Health report for Tuesday, Crawfish Tracker: A good time to get boilin'. East Baton Rouge Parish school system is 80% Black and Bernard believes we should keep a school named after a man who fought to keep slavery. Stay up to date with the latest news by downloading the BRProud App from the App Store or Google Play. Bernard also apologized for that incident. Now that people are calling her out for it, shes released a statement. All politics is local, and if we get civically engaged and lean in together we can shake things up. [CDATA[ Bernard was first elected to the board in 2010 and is in her third term representing south Baton Rouges District 8. We won the vote to change the name of Lee High, but the work continues until Connie is gone. Bernard, a Republican, has served on the East Baton Rouge school board since 2010 and last ran unopposed in 2018. For Lamar baseball wins series against Southeastern with 7-1 win on Saturday. According to the East Baton Maurepas man killed in Livingston Parish motorcycle wreck. announced it was calling for Bernard to step down. Baton Rouge activist rips school board member for defending - CNN EXCLUSIVE: Queens Court Hosts Holly Robinson Peete & Rodney Peete Share Relationship Lessons Learned From Magic Johnson & Samuel L. Jackson's Marriages, EXCLUSIVE: Idris Elba On The Emotional Toll Of Playing Luther, Reveals His Toughest Scene Yet, EXCLUSIVE: Power Book II Star Larenz Tate Reflects On Why The 90s Were So Special For Black Cinema & The Possibility Of Sequels, WEEKEND FOOLERY: Ye Blasts Kim K Over North Again & Pete Davidson Savagely CLAPS BACK + Kanye Threatens D.L. 1 LSU baseball completes the sweep over Alabama, winning game three 13-11. In addition to being publicly upbraided by Chambers, Bernard was criticized for her comments by three board members, the newspaper reports. I promise to be part of the solution and to listen to the concerns of all members of our community. This epic take-down of words went down Thursday during a Baton Rouge School Board meeting, where District 8 member Connie Bernard was publicly called out by Gary Chambers Jr., who stepped to the . We got work to do. Chambers said Bernard wasnt open to changing her stance and didnt care to hear the opinions of residents, a claim he supported by showing attendees a photo he had captured that showed Bernard shopping online during constituents presentations. Four EBR School Board members call on Connie Bernard to resign - WAFB I love US for real. I stand with you, in love and respect.". . Change the named Lee High and resign Connie. When we dont confront elected officials, we give them permission to disrespect us and to devalue us. Make her famous, so the world know some Karens are like Connie. A viral video online shows a Louisiana school board member being chastised by a community member who called the elected official arrogant and racist. Cookie Notice In her resignation letter, she made no mention of that incident, saying instead that she left board leadership because her husband, John, had been diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing time-consuming treatments. One school board's move to rename a Louisiana high school named after Robert E. Lee has resulted in calls for a board member to step down. LSU cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse (24) reacts after a play in front of Alabama wide receiver Ja'Corey Brooks (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. Where are our leaders? The statue to the controversial Castleman has been vandalized often over the last ten years. appreciated. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much You had every opportunity to apologize during the board meeting, but instead you chose to shop for dresses while members from our community, including parents and teachers, waited seven hours to speak on an item that concerns our students., Bernard released a statement on Friday, saying: My comments last week about the naming of Lee High School were insensitive, have caused pain for others, and have led people to believe I am an enemy of people of color, and I am deeply sorry. Connie Bernard ( Republican Party) was a member of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board in Louisiana, representing District 8. Make her famous, so the world know some Karens are like Connie. After prayerful consideration and consultation with my family and friends, I will continue to serve all students as elected by my district three times," the statement read. So if people tell you money is everything in politics, you can use this race as an example, stated Darr. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Connie needs to resign. Connie Bernard chooses to stay in school board race after withdrawing How do I know if I have a cold, the flu or COVID-19? She said she knocked on the door and knows the owners of the home, whom she called close personal friends.. Man or Woman. (BRPROUD) - The results are in and Connie Bernard received the most votes in the race for East Baton Rouge School Board in District 8. Gary went on "Morning Joe" to talk about his passionate speech: As the nation watches, let me say Im humbled by the support. Connie Bernard shopped while Black people discussed renaming Lee High. Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. According to WAFB-TV, board members cannot legally vote to remove a member, but a voter. Shes defending Robert E. Lee as if he was a good man. I stand on that. We elect them to VOTE THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE. After winning first basketball title in LSU history, Kim Mulkey says it's SEC considering drastic new punishments to deter fans from storming the field, Offense-Defense ties 32-32 in LSU's Spring Game, For help accessing the WBRZ-TV Public File, contact: Joey Verrett at, Man taken to hospital after being stabbed by his adult son. He said Lee was a brutal slave master, cited a slaves account of being beaten, and told the board to stop being in 1856. He also said they should name the school after someone on the right side of history, such as Louisianas first Black governor, P.B.S. He said this comes even after Bernards viral moment with Gary Chambers. A new name is expected to be selected by the board on July 16. He better SAYTHAT! After receiving pushback on his recent comments regarding the American flag, the athlete said, We have a long way to go We can do better. Use your voice to let EBR Schools know its time for change. Gary has been calling for her resignation since 2016 after Connie was captured on video grabbing a young person's neck after walking inside their home and demanding he and his friends stop partying. Following the news conference, Bernard sent a statement to WBRZ saying she had no intention of resigning. After we successfully pushed for Lee High to be removed as the name of a school, and in the same meeting one of US helped those who have worked against our community consistently. dtatman@ebrschools.org, cbernard@ebrschools.org, mgaudet@ebrschools.org, jdyason@ebrschools.org, ewarejackson@ebrschools.org, dcollins1@ebrschools.org, thoward4@ebrschools.org, dlanus@ebrschools.org, mbellue@ebrschools.org. "Over 2,000 emails have been submitted in the last 72 hours from people all over the world!" Bernard has resisted scattered calls for her to resign from the School Board altogether. They should all speak out and call for Connie to resign. District Attorney Hillar Moore said Thursday the simple battery charge stemmed from a moment in the video when Bernard is seen placing her "hands to the neck" of a young man. Today & Tonight: Clouds Friday PM Forecast: showers around as weekend begins. https://t.co/NGmejhJ27S, LeBron James (@KingJames) June 20, 2020. Katie Kennison wins EBR School Board District 8 seat The Baton Rouge activist also spoke to TMZ about the viral video: Even with the world watching Connie has yet to resign. "The actions taken by my colleague are inexcusable," Howard, vice president of the school board, wrote in an Instagram post on Saturday. When we dont confront elected officials we give them permission to disrespect us and to devalue us. 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If you think her actions are unacceptable send an email to the members of the board encouraging Connie to resign. And it was EPIC. Video of Chambers comments was shared widely on social media in the past few days, including by FS1 host Shannon Sharpe and NBA star LeBron James. Womp. Baton Rouge school board member faces national criticism for online East Baton Rouge Parish School Board member Connie Bernard appeared in court Tuesday on misdemeanor charges stemming from a profanity-filled c, Embattled East Baton Rouge School Board member Connie Bernard has come under controversy after a video went viral oflocal firebrand Gary Cham, Those expecting Connie Bernard to quickly resign from the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board in the face of recent controversy are likely to. Baton Rouge School Board member Connie Bernard's lost the confidence of her colleagues after she was called out for ignoring an intense discussion about race -- and that's A-OK with the guy who dragged her in the first place. I believe that Connie Bernard spent $3 after she dropped out and Kennison spent a grand total of zero. Connie Bernard trespassing and choking youth - YouTube Sitting over there shopping while were talking about Robert E. Lee. Do you hear me. Earlier, she apologized for the comments she made in support of not changing the school's name. However, it is clear that the voters in my district prefer the type of representation I have offered during my time on the Board.. The school in question, Lee High School, was named in honor of Confederate general Robert. She is white and middle aged. This is a picture of you shopping while were talking about racism and history in this country.. Dadrius Lanus said on Facebook Monday. 1 LSU baseball wins game 2 vs Alabama 12-8. Speak truth to power, stand on your convictions, let NONE of them slide, and #KeepPushing. I promise to be part of the solution and to listen to the concerns of all members of our community. EBR School Board member Connie Bernard will not seek re-election [CDATA[ // <! Moore said that McLindon told him that he would soon be enlisting as Bernard's attorney. Towns. A Louisiana man verbally laid into a local school board member in a caught-on-camera confrontation after she was busted shopping online during a hearing to rename a school dubbed in honor of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Moore, however, would not go so far as to describe what Bernard did as choking, though some who had seen the video did conclude that. I wasnt shopping, she told the newspaper. [CDATA[ // <! Baton Rouge School Board Members Call for Resignation of Connie Bernard A video of Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers Jr. ripping East Baton Rouge Parish school board member Connie Bernard a new one went viral over the weekend. Activist Gary Chambers forcefully tore into board member Connie Bernard at Thursdays East Baton Rouge Parish School Board meeting during a discussion on whether to rename the school. Bernard later said that she wasnt shopping and that she left the room to use the restroom. In Baton Rogue, where more than 50% of residents are black, many people have criticized the name, saying it memorializes a man who owned hundreds of slaves. I promise I will be part of the solution, Bernard said. Attempting to decide between a beige and red dress. I stand with you, in love and respect., Bernard also said that she agrees with New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, The Advocate reported. Its unfortunate that the comments that you made were just extremely tone-deaf to our collective community, extremely tone-deaf to the students of our district, and I would be remiss if I didnt stand up to that, Tremelle Howard, the vice president of the school board, told Bernard. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. Bernard explains in a statement: My first thought when I woke up this morning was an incredible sense of gratitude for those supporters I have decided to remain in the race for School Board, District 8. There is a very formal and involved process for removing your name from the ballot and she didnt take those steps, so voters were still able to cast ballots in her favor. The only thing I had issue determining from my sight was if it was a short dress or nightware.. Chambers, who appeared on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Monday to discuss the video, attended an East Baton Rouge Parish School Board meeting on Thursday during a debate about whether Lee High. History will judge us for what we do in this moment. Bernard submitted a statement to ABC affiliate station WBRZ in Baton Rouge on Friday regarding her comments on Lee. Although none of the board members would address the subject directly, VerettaLee had this message at the beginning of the meeting: "Be accountable. Warning: The video below contains graphic language. You should resign You should walk out of here and resign and never come back because you are the example of racism in this community. Lee personally owned enslaved people and he assumed command of 189 others after his father-in-law died in 1857, according to the American Civil War Museum. TRUST, you def want to watch it in its entirety. During an East Baton Rouge Parish School. "The half apology does not represent a sincere understanding of the years of hurt and pain presented on Thursday by the members of this community! The school board, meanwhile, voted unanimously to come up with a new name for the 61-year-old high school. Her opponent Democrat Katie Kennison said in a statement: Im grateful for everyone who got out there and voted yesterday. Elected official caught and called out for online shopping during Bernard, for her part, apologized in a statement released Friday for comments she made a week earlier that anyone critical of the schools name should learn a little more about its namesake. Also let Connie know its time for her to resign. Two years ago Dawn voted against a Black man for Vice President of the school board because she wanted to be VP. One part of that reckoning has been a push to remove monuments or odes to the Confederacy, the collection of states that seceded and waged war against the Union over the right to enslave Black people.