Blair Crew uses an app for all communications, where rowers and coaches can communicate and broader messages can be sent. We have no reason at all to believe that this alleged misconduct was sexual in nature. In fact, we really have no specifics at all because the school will not communicate directly with the organization, which is very very odd.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Blair Crew doesn't even operate over the summer. Where could this be coming from?

I think it does at least in some sense. I know kids rowing at regattas in early Aug.

High school crew doesn’t start until the fall.

Summer crew is run by Thompson Boat Center, which is not affiliated with any high school and pulls kids from all private and public high schools all over the city.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Also, there are times that immediate contact is needed. When my kid was a captain on a sports team, the team all had each others numbers, and the captains had contact info for the coaches. This was MCPS sport. There were times that that kind of immediate connection was needed. While, I don't think students should all have open access to a coach's personal phone, there should be someone team leadership who can reach the coach if needed.

I have had a child on an MCPS football team and there was an app the coaches used to send out immediate information. Parents and athletes had access to the team app and were on the group texts so it was transparent what was being sent. Seems like a safer form of communication than trading individual cell phone numbers.

The problem with individual texts is that child predators have used the private form of communication to groom their victims. It’s a slippery slope that can’t be monitored.

This is exactly what happened in the Whitman Crew case. Whitman Crew Coach Kirk Shipley was convicted of sexual abuse. In the trial it came out that he used his ability to text rowers directly to sexually groom them and eventually develop sexual relationships. Broadly speaking Shipley’s behavior was bad in a variety of ways and the girls felt like they couldn’t say no to him because he controlled who rowed in 1st, 2nd, etc. boat. He, this, indirectly also controlled their college opportunities.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/09/09/kirk-shipley-sentencing-sex-abuse-whitman/

I don’t know anything about the Blair situation, but as a crew parent at BCC and with some intimate knowledge of the Shipley situation, I learned, that under no circumstances should a coach be able to privately text any member of a team. All communications should be accessible to parents.

I also learned that Safe Sport was not able to run a credible investigation. Shipley was reported to Safe Sport, and Safe Sport missed what was going on even though dozens of girls complained about Shipley’s abusive coaching. Safe Sport cleared him and he continued coaching and abusing.

What happened at BCC crew this year? Was it a Whitman kind of thing?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

wbkent wrote:I’m the parent of a Blair Crew member and I can’t tell all of you how upsetting this is for the CHILDREN who are members. Do you think they haven’t seen your comments and utter speculation about what is happening? Please for the sake of these kids stop posting wild theories about what has happened. The entire team is in the dark but we will patiently wait for for Principal Johnson to give us some information to proceed. While I don’t think this was the intention, Principal Johnson’s letter and the wording of the letter has made these kids feel shame. Do you really want to add to that? You’re the grown-ups. This is gossip and complete speculation before you know anything. You are not going to solve the mystery by saying things like, “my money is on sexual offense.” DC Urban Moms and Dads is this really what this forum is for because you are causing pain, anxiety, fear and stress to these children.

I’m sorry your kids are upset. Why are they on DCUM? My own 9th grader wouldn’t even consider looking here or anywhere. but after a message like that obviously there is speculation. It’s normal. I’m sure your kids are speculating too and the anxiety related to related to not knowing, not the fact that others are speculating too.

DP. Ah, yes. Blame the victim. Typical dcum response. Please have a little respect for once and just shut it.

I'm not the PP, but avoiding things that cause you pain is actually a really important life lesson for these kids. For all kids. There are going to be things out in the world that people find to distressing. For whatever reason. We can put trigger warnings on them and let them know this is coming, and that allows them to decide whether or not they wish to consume that content. In this case, it's clear that the content is going to be distressing because the site is all about speculation and the memo from the principal is vague.

Please try to help your kids build some resilience by identifying media that is upsetting, and cutting it out rather than asking other people to stop making it.

I think of media as legit journalism, not salacious parents on a chat board. Don't defend bad behavior. While some were just concerned, others are throwing all sorts of conjecture out there. I would not defend that as "making media."

There’s actually been very little speculation on this thread.

Look at the first page. I agree there's not a ton, but it isn't "very little " either. There's no need for any of it.

Then report and let Jeff decide. Seems like no one has done that yet.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

wbkent wrote:I’m the parent of a Blair Crew member and I can’t tell all of you how upsetting this is for the CHILDREN who are members. Do you think they haven’t seen your comments and utter speculation about what is happening? Please for the sake of these kids stop posting wild theories about what has happened. The entire team is in the dark but we will patiently wait for for Principal Johnson to give us some information to proceed. While I don’t think this was the intention, Principal Johnson’s letter and the wording of the letter has made these kids feel shame. Do you really want to add to that? You’re the grown-ups. This is gossip and complete speculation before you know anything. You are not going to solve the mystery by saying things like, “my money is on sexual offense.” DC Urban Moms and Dads is this really what this forum is for because you are causing pain, anxiety, fear and stress to these children.

I’m sorry your kids are upset. Why are they on DCUM? My own 9th grader wouldn’t even consider looking here or anywhere. but after a message like that obviously there is speculation. It’s normal. I’m sure your kids are speculating too and the anxiety related to related to not knowing, not the fact that others are speculating too.

DP. Ah, yes. Blame the victim. Typical dcum response. Please have a little respect for once and just shut it.

I'm not the PP, but avoiding things that cause you pain is actually a really important life lesson for these kids. For all kids. There are going to be things out in the world that people find to distressing. For whatever reason. We can put trigger warnings on them and let them know this is coming, and that allows them to decide whether or not they wish to consume that content. In this case, it's clear that the content is going to be distressing because the site is all about speculation and the memo from the principal is vague.

Please try to help your kids build some resilience by identifying media that is upsetting, and cutting it out rather than asking other people to stop making it.

I think of media as legit journalism, not salacious parents on a chat board. Don't defend bad behavior. While some were just concerned, others are throwing all sorts of conjecture out there. I would not defend that as "making media."

There’s actually been very little speculation on this thread.

Look at the first page. I agree there's not a ton, but it isn't "very little " either. There's no need for any of it.

There’s one or two and none of it is “salacious”.

Sorry, meant previous pages.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

wbkent wrote:I’m the parent of a Blair Crew member and I can’t tell all of you how upsetting this is for the CHILDREN who are members. Do you think they haven’t seen your comments and utter speculation about what is happening? Please for the sake of these kids stop posting wild theories about what has happened. The entire team is in the dark but we will patiently wait for for Principal Johnson to give us some information to proceed. While I don’t think this was the intention, Principal Johnson’s letter and the wording of the letter has made these kids feel shame. Do you really want to add to that? You’re the grown-ups. This is gossip and complete speculation before you know anything. You are not going to solve the mystery by saying things like, “my money is on sexual offense.” DC Urban Moms and Dads is this really what this forum is for because you are causing pain, anxiety, fear and stress to these children.

I’m sorry your kids are upset. Why are they on DCUM? My own 9th grader wouldn’t even consider looking here or anywhere. but after a message like that obviously there is speculation. It’s normal. I’m sure your kids are speculating too and the anxiety related to related to not knowing, not the fact that others are speculating too.

DP. Ah, yes. Blame the victim. Typical dcum response. Please have a little respect for once and just shut it.

I'm not the PP, but avoiding things that cause you pain is actually a really important life lesson for these kids. For all kids. There are going to be things out in the world that people find to distressing. For whatever reason. We can put trigger warnings on them and let them know this is coming, and that allows them to decide whether or not they wish to consume that content. In this case, it's clear that the content is going to be distressing because the site is all about speculation and the memo from the principal is vague.

Please try to help your kids build some resilience by identifying media that is upsetting, and cutting it out rather than asking other people to stop making it.

I think of media as legit journalism, not salacious parents on a chat board. Don't defend bad behavior. While some were just concerned, others are throwing all sorts of conjecture out there. I would not defend that as "making media."

There’s actually been very little speculation on this thread.

Look at the first page. I agree there's not a ton, but it isn't "very little " either. There's no need for any of it.

This is standard MCPS policy. When an outside entity rents space in an MCPS facility and any sort of an allegation is made about such an entity, MCPS would suspend the use of the facilities until an investigation takes place, whether by MCPS or law enforcement or whomever is conducting it.

Yes, the team may continue to practice and compete. Blair HS has temporarily suspended use of the facilities until the investigation is complete. Once the investigation is complete, Blair HS would make the decision about whether to allow the club to rent space in the building again.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

wbkent wrote:I’m the parent of a Blair Crew member and I can’t tell all of you how upsetting this is for the CHILDREN who are members. Do you think they haven’t seen your comments and utter speculation about what is happening? Please for the sake of these kids stop posting wild theories about what has happened. The entire team is in the dark but we will patiently wait for for Principal Johnson to give us some information to proceed. While I don’t think this was the intention, Principal Johnson’s letter and the wording of the letter has made these kids feel shame. Do you really want to add to that? You’re the grown-ups. This is gossip and complete speculation before you know anything. You are not going to solve the mystery by saying things like, “my money is on sexual offense.” DC Urban Moms and Dads is this really what this forum is for because you are causing pain, anxiety, fear and stress to these children.

I’m sorry your kids are upset. Why are they on DCUM? My own 9th grader wouldn’t even consider looking here or anywhere. but after a message like that obviously there is speculation. It’s normal. I’m sure your kids are speculating too and the anxiety related to related to not knowing, not the fact that others are speculating too.

DP. Ah, yes. Blame the victim. Typical dcum response. Please have a little respect for once and just shut it.

I'm not the PP, but avoiding things that cause you pain is actually a really important life lesson for these kids. For all kids. There are going to be things out in the world that people find to distressing. For whatever reason. We can put trigger warnings on them and let them know this is coming, and that allows them to decide whether or not they wish to consume that content. In this case, it's clear that the content is going to be distressing because the site is all about speculation and the memo from the principal is vague.

Please try to help your kids build some resilience by identifying media that is upsetting, and cutting it out rather than asking other people to stop making it.

I think of media as legit journalism, not salacious parents on a chat board. Don't defend bad behavior. While some were just concerned, others are throwing all sorts of conjecture out there. I would not defend that as "making media."

There’s actually been very little speculation on this thread.

Does anyone know if the team is still going to be able to train and compete as long as they do not use school facilities?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

wbkent wrote:I’m the parent of a Blair Crew member and I can’t tell all of you how upsetting this is for the CHILDREN who are members. Do you think they haven’t seen your comments and utter speculation about what is happening? Please for the sake of these kids stop posting wild theories about what has happened. The entire team is in the dark but we will patiently wait for for Principal Johnson to give us some information to proceed. While I don’t think this was the intention, Principal Johnson’s letter and the wording of the letter has made these kids feel shame. Do you really want to add to that? You’re the grown-ups. This is gossip and complete speculation before you know anything. You are not going to solve the mystery by saying things like, “my money is on sexual offense.” DC Urban Moms and Dads is this really what this forum is for because you are causing pain, anxiety, fear and stress to these children.

I’m sorry your kids are upset. Why are they on DCUM? My own 9th grader wouldn’t even consider looking here or anywhere. but after a message like that obviously there is speculation. It’s normal. I’m sure your kids are speculating too and the anxiety related to related to not knowing, not the fact that others are speculating too.

DP. Ah, yes. Blame the victim. Typical dcum response. Please have a little respect for once and just shut it.

I'm not the PP, but avoiding things that cause you pain is actually a really important life lesson for these kids. For all kids. There are going to be things out in the world that people find to distressing. For whatever reason. We can put trigger warnings on them and let them know this is coming, and that allows them to decide whether or not they wish to consume that content. In this case, it's clear that the content is going to be distressing because the site is all about speculation and the memo from the principal is vague.

Please try to help your kids build some resilience by identifying media that is upsetting, and cutting it out rather than asking other people to stop making it.

I think of media as legit journalism, not salacious parents on a chat board. Don't defend bad behavior. While some were just concerned, others are throwing all sorts of conjecture out there. I would not defend that as "making media."

There’s actually been very little speculation on this thread.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

wbkent wrote:I’m the parent of a Blair Crew member and I can’t tell all of you how upsetting this is for the CHILDREN who are members. Do you think they haven’t seen your comments and utter speculation about what is happening? Please for the sake of these kids stop posting wild theories about what has happened. The entire team is in the dark but we will patiently wait for for Principal Johnson to give us some information to proceed. While I don’t think this was the intention, Principal Johnson’s letter and the wording of the letter has made these kids feel shame. Do you really want to add to that? You’re the grown-ups. This is gossip and complete speculation before you know anything. You are not going to solve the mystery by saying things like, “my money is on sexual offense.” DC Urban Moms and Dads is this really what this forum is for because you are causing pain, anxiety, fear and stress to these children.

I’m sorry your kids are upset. Why are they on DCUM? My own 9th grader wouldn’t even consider looking here or anywhere. but after a message like that obviously there is speculation. It’s normal. I’m sure your kids are speculating too and the anxiety related to related to not knowing, not the fact that others are speculating too.

DP. Ah, yes. Blame the victim. Typical dcum response. Please have a little respect for once and just shut it.

I'm not the PP, but avoiding things that cause you pain is actually a really important life lesson for these kids. For all kids. There are going to be things out in the world that people find to distressing. For whatever reason. We can put trigger warnings on them and let them know this is coming, and that allows them to decide whether or not they wish to consume that content. In this case, it's clear that the content is going to be distressing because the site is all about speculation and the memo from the principal is vague.

Please try to help your kids build some resilience by identifying media that is upsetting, and cutting it out rather than asking other people to stop making it.

I think of media as legit journalism, not salacious parents on a chat board. Don't defend bad behavior. While some were just concerned, others are throwing all sorts of conjecture out there. I would not defend that as "making media."

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Also, there are times that immediate contact is needed. When my kid was a captain on a sports team, the team all had each others numbers, and the captains had contact info for the coaches. This was MCPS sport. There were times that that kind of immediate connection was needed. While, I don't think students should all have open access to a coach's personal phone, there should be someone team leadership who can reach the coach if needed.

I have had a child on an MCPS football team and there was an app the coaches used to send out immediate information. Parents and athletes had access to the team app and were on the group texts so it was transparent what was being sent. Seems like a safer form of communication than trading individual cell phone numbers.

The problem with individual texts is that child predators have used the private form of communication to groom their victims. It’s a slippery slope that can’t be monitored.

Blair Crew parent here. The team has an app whereby rowers and parents can communicate in a transparent way and whole group messages are sent. This is the primary mode of communication among rowers and coaches, not text messaging.

How about we stop speculating and just assume someone or someones made a complaint that’s valid and they don’t owe it to anyone else to be public about it. Safe to assume it’s a kid. So maybe back off the chatter and critique?