Karen Klein

Karen Huff Klein is a hearing-impaired 68-year old bus monitor from upstate New York and employed by the Greece Central School District. Klein had a rise to fame after a ten-minute video dubbed Making The Bus Monitor Cry went viral on the Internet. The video featured students insulting Klein, taunting her by saying that they want to go to Klein's house and steal from her. They also taunted that she "doesn't have a family, because they all killed themselves". The video was originally uploaded on Facebook, however a YouTube user named "CapitalTrigga" uploaded the video onto YouTube on June 19, 2012. The video later went on to surpass over 2.8 million views. Soon after the video went viral, an Indiegogo user, who has been identified as Max Sidorov from Toronto, started a fundraiser campaign, with a goal of $5,000, to help give Klein a vacation. The $5,000 goal was more than shattered as the campaign has received over $425,000 and still has 30 more days to raise funds. An Indiegogo spokesperson stated that the Website is in touch with Klein, who will be receiving all the money raised until the scheduled end of fundraiser; July 20, 2012. Outside of the fundraiser, Klein has had massive support by others including Reddit user "razorsheldon" who posted a call to arms in support of Klein. The call to arms has produced several comments showing love and support. There have also been efforts to have a "call to action" at Greece Athena High School, the school that the kids who insulted Klein attend, that will take place on June 22, 2012 at 7PM. The mayor along with Karen Klein will be in attendance. Police officials stated they have questioned the kids and the school district says they are investigating. Klein stated she would like an apology and a new bus route. Klein stated that she would not press charges against the students, partly because of the flood of death threats and criticism aimed at the children.
 
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