Teacher apologizes for viral video

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A Wayside Elementary school teacher apologizes for a her behavior caught on camera.

Carrie Maxwell, a second-grade teacher, is at the center of a video, seen harassing a mom and daughter leaving a protest Friday night.

Maxwell's lawyer, Kyle Humphrey, sent us a statement saying:

My behavior was never intended in any way to diminish the important time in the life of our country. Like everyone else, I was horrified by the video of the murder of George Floyd. Every man, woman and child deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and equality, regardless of the color of their skin, and every protester deserves to live a life free of fear.

Maxwell's statement continues that the video captured her at a moment of anxiety, frustration, and panic for her family's safety. The statement goes on to say:

I am a caretaker for my 19-year-old autistic son and my elderly mother who has COPD and is extremely vulnerable to health complications. I had seen news coverage pf the protest turning into riots across the country and was aware that the protests near my home had turned to confrontations the day before. When I heard protesters gathering near my home, loudly chanting profanities, I became overwhelmed with anxiety and fear.

Maxwell's full statement is below:

Another video surfaced of Maxwell peering above her fence, shouting at protesters as the walked by on the sidewalk.

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Bakersfield City School District Superintendent, Doc Ervin, released a statement, saying:

The Bakersfield City School District strives to be a model of inclusion and equity for our students, staff, families and community members. The District is aware of the incident that occurred on June 5, 2020 involving an employee. We do not condone nor endorse the action and behavior captured on the video. The District is currently conducting an investigation into the incident. As this is a confidential personnel matter, we are unable to comment any further.