Blair crew

[Anonymous]

Ok, DCUM, what is the principals message about? What allegations? I’ve heard only positive, following recommendations for this club.

[Anonymous]

The only thing I’ve got so far is that they voted to replace the longtime coach a few years ago and she was replaced with some really you g “kids”, if you will. Seems to have gone downhill from there.

[Anonymous]

What did the principal’s message say?

[Anonymous]

It just talked about allegations of unprofessional behavior, and that Blair HS is no longer associated with Blair crew. Also that they were cooperating with authorities, and if anyone had any info relevant to the investigation they should call the number listed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What did the principal’s message say?

The club is suspended from the school in light of “serious allegations regarding unprofessional behavior and actions of individuals associated with the Crew Club” which have been reported to the “appropriate authorities”, including law enforcement.

[Anonymous]

can someone tell what happened?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:can someone tell what happened?

Clearly no one seems to know

[Anonymous]

My grandson is on the blair crew team he said many kids on the team would text the coach on his personal number regularly.

[Anonymous]

Dear Montgomery Blair High School Families,

My staff and I are excited to welcome our students back to school soon. We have been diligently preparing for the opening of school and ensuring that our school is a safe and supportive environment for every student.

I am writing to inform you about a recent development concerning the Blair Crew Club. Blair Crew Club is a club sport that is led by parents and community members. The Crew Club’s governing board hires coaches and staff, and supervises the program.

It has come to our attention that there are serious allegations regarding unprofessional behavior and actions of individuals associated with the Crew Club. In light of these allegations, we have made the correct decision to restrict the Blair Crew Club program from use of our school and campus, effective immediately and until further notice. Montgomery Blair High School is no longer affiliated with Blair Crew Club. Our goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students involved in the Crew Club and to maintain the integrity of our school community.

Per our established procedures, the allegations have been reported to the appropriate authorities. We are collaborating closely with the Montgomery County Public Schools Office of School Support and Well-Being, as well as law enforcement, and we will support any investigative process that may come about as a result of these reports. We will keep you informed of any updates as this matter takes its due course.

If you have any information that might aid in this investigation, or if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact our school security office at 240-740-7200

The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.

Sincerely,

Renay Johnson
Principal, Montgomery Blair High School

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My grandson is on the blair crew team he said many kids on the team would text the coach on his personal number regularly.

That’s not permitted under safe sport guidelines but it’s not illegal. What more is there to it?

I had the impression Blair crew had a supportive LGBTQ friendly vibe, not a creepy coach one.

[Anonymous]

Why do these school crew teams have so many coach issues? Sad for the kids

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My grandson is on the blair crew team he said many kids on the team would text the coach on his personal number regularly.

Why aren’t all athletes told this specific type of conduct by a coach violates the MCPS Code of Conduct? With all the criminal child abuse cases with MCPS staff including coaches, why aren’t all MCPS students taught to immediately report such conduct?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My grandson is on the blair crew team he said many kids on the team would text the coach on his personal number regularly.

Why aren’t all athletes told this specific type of conduct by a coach violates the MCPS Code of Conduct? With all the criminal child abuse cases with MCPS staff including coaches, why aren’t all MCPS students taught to immediately report such conduct?

The thing is Crew is not a MCPS sport meaning they don’t have to follow any MCPS guidelines. They just happen to use Blair’s building for practice. The coach is not a MCPS employee.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My grandson is on the blair crew team he said many kids on the team would text the coach on his personal number regularly.

Why aren’t all athletes told this specific type of conduct by a coach violates the MCPS Code of Conduct? With all the criminal child abuse cases with MCPS staff including coaches, why aren’t all MCPS students taught to immediately report such conduct?

The thing is Crew is not a MCPS sport meaning they don’t have to follow any MCPS guidelines. They just happen to use Blair’s building for practice. The coach is not a MCPS employee.

So no oversight whatsoever for a team calling itself by the school name, meeting with school students right after school lets out, and using school facilities? Is this a good idea for MCPS to have this type of club in schools? Seems like an ideal place for child predators to have access to children.

[Anonymous]

There's a recent bad precedent with MCPS rowing: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/high-school-rowing-coach-sentenced-three-years-prison-sexually-abusing-high-school

This Post story describes a pretty awful situation, with parents so caught up in their kids' athletics that they (and school officials) ignored reports of abuse by the coach: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/11/30/kirk-shipley-sex-abuse-whitman-coach-rowing/