I think what's more relevant is whether or not the program works. Can the principal reference any proven success? If not, it's just a social club. And if it's really open to everyone but only black kids choose to join then I don't see any issue.

Let me clear up any confusion. The Facts are: This group was and is still only race based. That is the only criteria for entry. This has nothing to do with closing achievement gap! You must be African American Only.

It is against the law:

Title 13A State Board of Education, Subtitle 08 Students, Chapter 01, General Regulations, .16 Integration - COMAR 13A.08.01.16
Established the State's desegregation policy. ... The organization of school activities shall provide for the involvement of students regardless of sex, race, creed, or national origin.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VI prohibits discrimination against students on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal funds. Title VI and related case law prohibit discrimination on the basis of race in student admissions, student access to courses and programs, and student policies and their application. Discrimination against national origin minorities on the basis of limited English skills is also prohibited by Title VI case law. Any institution or agency receiving federal funds is covered by Title VI. Most education activities of a recipient agency or institution are covered including activities or programs not in direct receipt of federal funds. It was the language of Title VI that provided the model for Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

These are the FACTS!!

Dr. Ashworth continues to lie. Ask any student and they will tell you the truth!

Further when a "White" boy asked to join last year he was denied because he was "White".

Dr. Ashworth’s attitude to parents and students is very disheartening. She has stated to me on at least two occasions that she does not want to be the Principal of AMS and that she only took the job at the request of Dr. Maxwell.

This is taking a toll on our students. The many groups that were in place when Dr. Ashworth took over have discontinued. This year there is no 8th grade graduation ceremony. No Destination Imagination. No Principal’s Honor roll breakfast. No Volunteer of the Month for the Volunteers. Dr. Ashworth is not even a PTA member this year. She has only attended 3 meetings all year. However, she can find time to hold her Man Up groups during school hours, during CORE classes!

Everyone in the school administration knows that it was/is race based only and only when the law was quoted did anyone do anything about this issue.

Any programcreated to help students who are repeat "referrals" or aren't applying themselves academically has to be a good thing, it probably should be open to any student who fits the criteria. I'm just curious if these parents raising concerns are doing it because their child fits the program's criteria and they want them to have access to the program? (If so spend your effort correcting your child's behavior and study habits, they appear to be involved parents) or are they upset that their child who doesn't get office referrals or needs to have their acheivment gap closed isn't getting cinnabons & doughnuts? (Take your kid to the mall and buy them a cinnabon if it makes them feel better) And lastly I'm just not sure why a parent, if their kid doesn't need the benefits of the program, would want to get all vocal on the subject and put their kid in an akward situation with students who already get office referrals!! Sometimes I chuckle at the things parents concern themselves with.

I'm a product of the Anne Arundel County Public School System. Van Bokkelen Elem, Mc Arthur Middle and Meade Senior High Class of '84...I wished we had a "Man Up" program. Most of the kids I went to school with didn't have Dads. We raised ourselves, as a result many of us lived pretty reckless lives. I was bullied and felt like I needed to please people in order to feel good about myself. I grew up a Mommas Boy. I needed a Man in order to model for me "Manhood". Kudos to Arundel Middle for deciding to "do something", about a growing epedemic. After years of counseling and hard work, I eventually grew up and became a man. In my book "How to Raise a Man...Not a Momma's Boy" I deal with the effects of kid growing up and never being taught how to "Man Up". Learn more at www.mommasboy.org

Let me clear up any confusion. The Facts are: This group was and is still only race based. That is the only criteria for entry. This has nothing to do with closing achievement gap! You must be African American Only.

It is against the law:

Title 13A State Board of Education, Subtitle 08 Students, Chapter 01, General Regulations, .16 Integration - COMAR 13A.08.01.16
Established the State's desegregation policy. ... The organization of school activities shall provide for the involvement of students regardless of sex, race, creed, or national origin.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VI prohibits discrimination against students on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal funds. Title VI and related case law prohibit discrimination on the basis of race in student admissions, student access to courses and programs, and student policies and their application. Discrimination against national origin minorities on the basis of limited English skills is also prohibited by Title VI case law. Any institution or agency receiving federal funds is covered by Title VI. Most education activities of a recipient agency or institution are covered including activities or programs not in direct receipt of federal funds. It was the language of Title VI that provided the model for Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

These are the FACTS!!

Dr. Ashworth continues to lie. Ask any student and they will tell you the truth!

Further when a "White" boy asked to join last year he was denied because he was "White".

Dr. Ashworth’s attitude to parents and students is very disheartening. She has stated to me on at least two occasions that she does not want to be the Principal of AMS and that she only took the job at the request of Dr. Maxwell.

This is taking a toll on our students. The many groups that were in place when Dr. Ashworth took over have discontinued. This year there is no 8th grade graduation ceremony. No Destination Imagination. No Principal’s Honor roll breakfast. No Volunteer of the Month for the Volunteers. Dr. Ashworth is not even a PTA member this year. She has only attended 3 meetings all year. However, she can find time to hold her Man Up groups during school hours, during CORE classes!

Everyone in the school administration knows that it was/is race based only and only when the law was quoted did anyone do anything about this issue.

Tracy
It sounds like you personally have a problem with the principal and you are using this Man Up program as an excuse to complain. Is the Spanish Honor Society an illegal club? What about the NAACP? It sounds like the Man Up program is for students that are behavior problems at the school. If another student (white or otherwise) wants to join but is a "good" student, why would the school "waste" a spot on someone who is already doing well. There are plenty of other organizations in school for all students to join.

Here's my question...is the program an academic program, focused on closing the achievement gap - or is it a mentoring program designed to teach young men how to become positive male role models as they mature? If the program is about mentoring, then yes, all races should be included and welcomed. But if it's about achievement, our young black men are fairing considerably worse than our young white men...and a program to help get young black men to become academically equal with their young white counterparts sounds beneficial and not racist at all.

I don't have a problem with the MAN UP group. It seems like a good program that is seeking to address a very specific problem in a specific group of students. She should be commended for going the extra mile for kids that may be dealing with certain challenges.

Groups for African-American males are common in the real world. There are black fraternities and black student unions at most schools. There are professional societies for black men and women. There are also similar groups for Latinos, women, gays, Asians, Irish-Americans, Catholics, Muslims, Native Americans, disabled people and any group you can think of. There's nothing wrong with groups with common concerns gathering together to try and lift themselves up.

A group such as MAN UP in middle school only seeks to mirror what's happening in real life.

If the black kids in MAN UP are bragging about being in it, so what? This is not a group that most white kids should feel compelled to join. I suppose that if a white child truly wanted to join because they were genuinely interested in what was being discussed, that's fine. But, it seems to me that some of the kids got upset because they saw their friends getting out of class and getting free snacks. Those are not valid reasons to want to become involved.

I think a LOT of the problem is that some of the boys in the group have said they are being taught how "to not let the white man hold them down". That is definately a racially motivated comment. I understand this is only coming from kids and I hope it's not true.

Mr brown and Ms Asworth are unProfessional and racist. It took them over a month to react when me son was beat up in the locker room by an black boy but when my son was accused by a black kid of calling him a name I was in their office that afternoon.

Arundel Middle School is not the only school in AACPS running such programs. They are targeted towards struggling African American males. Being African American is not the only criteria. Students must also be struggling with academics and behaviors. While these groups do not aim to exclude other races, they are usually invitation-based and only African Americans are being invited. I understand both sides of the coin. The school system is reacting to the powerful complaint of the NAACP and has put forth many efforts in cultural proficiency and eliminating the achievement gap. From my perspective, the real issue lies in the fundamentals of education. Our education system is still geared towards the traditional learner, to be frank, white males. While classroom teachers are making attempts to engage different learners with various strategies, this will not be solved as long as we still have standardized tests. The end result is that all students are still expected to sit, read, and write for an extended period of time. Not only is this experience not real-world based, but it represents inevitable failure for many students, which leads to behavior issues.

There are many pieces of this puzzle and it is very sensitive. There are some significant issues with achievement, equity, and equality in our society and no one wants to be called a racist.

I would like to say that I would be upset even if this were a group for caucasion only. It is not right to single anyone out because of race, religion or really even sex. To Pastor Ian, can a non African American be a speaker/role model for Man Up?

I have asked my children if they know who Pastor Ian is and neither do.

Pastor_Ian

7:52 am on Saturday, April 21, 2012

Pastor Ian wrote: "The Man Up groups presenters are race and gender appropriate for that group. If we are trying to give African American males a picture of what they can achieve when they get older, we have to place African American men in front of them to brief them."
Sounds like an admission that this group IS African American only to me.

what does MAN stand for anyway?

stop segregating our children, if we want tohave a program to help students in need, it should be open to all students, regardless of race, sex, religion, or sexual orientation.

ALL African American male students are sent to the Man-up programs when they are held at Arundel Middle School whether they are good or bad students, a behavior problem or a model student, from a single parent home or not !!!!!!!

Who here knows exactly how this Man Up works? I have heard that all black boys get invited to join (reguardless of how they are doing in school). I have heard that the invite goes home and the parent(s) decide whether or not to allow their child to join. I have not heard that ANY child who is doing bad in school (behavior and/or grades) is invited. I know of plenty of non black children in AMS that could benefit from a group for help, but have not been invited to this particular group or any other group. I just want this to be fair to all kids. I want the black kids to have the help they need, but not if they are being helped into more racism (as that is what it seems they are being taught).

How many of the parents complaining have ever sat in on a MAN UP session? Before rushing to judgment shouldn't parents sit in on a session first. Many parents are basing their opinion on hersey, or second hand information. As I often teach my WHITE children, it is always easier to point out problems in the world rather than solutions. That mentality doesn't help the situation. Educating 900+ students is a tough job. I wish more parents were willing to help AMS rather than just complain. A lot of parents have complained about MAN Up, I wonder if PTA meetings generally get the same attention from these same parents.

If Dr. Ashwotrth was white we we be applauding AMS's efforts. Maybe the PARENTS need th education lesson more than the students. I understand the concern that some parents (mostly white) have raised concern over the program, however there is NO DOUBT that a program designed to promote future success for AA boys is needed. The facts are AA Men make 20,000 dollars a year less than whites, have a significantly greater likelihood of criminal justice involvement, graduate on time at lower rates than whites, attend/graduate college at lower rates than whites, and have a greater likelihood of coming from a single parent home. I fail to see how a once a month “pep talk” to increase the probability of success in a majority dominated society, is bad thing. If the Trevon Martin situation has taught us anything it is that AA males need assistance on how to successfully maneuver through society as a minority knowing that the majority already has preconceived opinions. There are currently no programs within schools that assist with this. Why are we critiquing AMS for at least trying to make students better? While other student groups could benefit from similar programs, ONE STEP AT A TIME is a good start, especially since AA boys designate the group with the most urgency.
I asked the school before spring break whether the program apears to be working. They reported that office referrals are DOWN for AA boys by almost 40% from last year. Maybe the program is working!

TRY HELPING- You just don't get it, do you? The parents who are upset are not racist, we just was equality and fairness for ALL races. You assume all of us are white. I can't speak for others, only for myself. I am white, my husband is not, therefore our children are a mix. I don't see how this matters though.

TRY HELPING, why dont you post under your regular account?

the program should be open to all students in need, black or white, male or female.

why not a program to boost all of the students test scores on the maryland state assesment tests.

I have reviewed the MSA test results and it looks like the ONLY group that failed to pass was the "free/reduced lunch" group. The blacks passed as did the whites, hispanics, all others and even the special ed. Can we start a group for the free/reduced lunch kids? NO, because it would be inclusive and so is this MAN UP group.

I have a suggestion for a name for the "free/ reduced lunch" group if it is formed. EAT UP

Are referals down due to better behavior or because teachers are told not to write them, or because when they are written they are not always processed ?

Ok ...well white teachers in staff at arundel middle from 2000's and now only give refferls to black kids to ease their stress from there jobs. The white teachers never have or will start sitting down talking to black kids because there racist and that community of people stick together and because whites only care for other whites . There are powerful white leaders that make shore the path to power will never be as clear and opertunistic. They wont admit this but its true like like it ain't broke don't fix it that's there attitude about this subject. When they see a Dr. And someone to help the black community prosper and try and get out the whole that whites and themselves dug themselves into they struggle to get out because of the white manipulation and the laws. I mean great there's a law that can be helpful for both races. U shouldn't prey for there to be a right way to do a wrong thing. U can think about it two ways here whites hate this principal because she is in position of power and using it for the good of. black students. To equal out the educational balance between the two race communities, and keeping the white kids out trouble . are in power. Bu

But if the just let them start with the kids putting them into these programs that give us tools to prosper in an all white prospering world. White people fear equal. They don't like obama . For what reason he doesn't enable racist scrappy that Romney will

Im tired of this world were whites just feel there the best. Thank you John f k for showing me there are good whites out there but look angry whites killed him too. Just like mlk . I'm ready for a world to loose the racist crap be equal if not make laws for racist and trow my neighbors away in jail half of Crofton would be in jail too

Wanted to move this comment from the NAACP article page to here, where it's more appropriate.

David

10:16 am on Sunday, April 22, 2012

I have tried to attend ManUp meetings on 2 separate occasions. I called Principal Ashworth to get dates of the meetings and told her a group of parents wanted to attend. On both occasions the meetings were cancelled at the last minute. I'm not saying she is trying to hide something. But, you have to admit it looks like it.

Funny that we are only invited once the cat is out of the bag-so to speak. I looked at AMS website and viewed the latest newsletter. It is funny that the Man Up conferece (which you, Dr. Ashworth and Pastor Ian speak of) is no where to be found. There is a long list of upcoming events at AMS for April and May, but no mention of this Man Up thing. Infact, there has NEVER been a mention of it anywhere, the website, newsletters, the yearbook-wonder why this is. What's that? You say that Dr. Ashworth sent home a letter about the Man Up group back on March 12th? I didn't receive that letter and I have asked at least 10 friends who also didn't receive that letter. It was added to the website only AFTER this article came out---anyone can back date a letter and load it to the website.

I keep hearing all of these negative things, however NO ONE has ever said they have attended a session. Are we that angry that we keep talking about this issue even though no one, including myself, has ever actual sat through a session. Maybe before we pass judgment we should sit in. Just a thought.

Here is a link to AMS' School Improvement Plan 2010-2011 Action Steps.

http://www.aacps.org/html/schol/Middle/sip/ArundelMSSIP.pdf

I read it in it's entirety and there is ABSOLUTELY NO mention of Man Up. Is this group new to this school year or should it have been included in this report?

Those who are arguing for the Man Up program are choosing to ignore the fact that a race based and racially exclusive group administered by the school is blatantly illegal. Whether it is beneficial or not does not affect that fact. If it is that worthwhile a program, you need to either change the law or change the location. Teaching the 10 commandments to students would probably result in better behavior too, but it is still illegal. We would be able to feed and otherwise help many families by robbing a bank, but that doesn't justify the act. We all know, but some will not admit, that a program dedicated to welfare or improvement of white boys would not be tolerated even by most white parents. There are some things that we know are wrong and despite admirable goals, this is wrong.

huh?

This country is rooted in racism and segregation . It makes me sick to the stomach especially when I see it perpetuated in our school with programs such as the MAN UP program. What does it teach our children? Disgusting.
And to say that it has reducec the number of referrals is complete JOKE. It just means that teachers aren't allowed to write up referrals because of the numbers game it reflects on the school and it also means increased bad behavior and unruliness, disrespect for teachers and learning as there are NO CONSEQUENCES. The kids are not held accountable. They don't care if they get into trouble because nothing happens to them.
MANUP together with Black History month PERPETUATE RACISM.. enough is enough. GET OVER IT!
Would AA people be driving mercedes and and BMW's if they stayed in Africa?

SO if we are trying to encourage equality ... MAN UP is not because it is RACE BASED and illegal. If a White preson created a program like this it would be shut down.
Why can't we all just get along? No more RACISM. No more, I am tired of it.

Got the message from the horses mouth that our kids will be attending the conferences this Friday during their encore classes. They've even added a girl conferece so as not to upset their parents too. ooohh, aahhh.

I am A former student from AMS. I would like to let you parents know that this THE MAN UP Program has nothing to do with racism. In this program we learn how to act like a man, history of African Americans, and how to become a leader. All the speakers take their time to help mentor young African American men.

MC,You have just added evidence that Dr. Ashworth lied about the nature of the program.

This principal is a lying racist. Only African American students are allowed. It looks like the referrals for African Americans are down because they are not processed while the referrals for whites are processed. If a white principal had set a program for only whites, they would be called a racist. Do we want someone like this leading our children? Should our kids be taught to lie and be separated by race? I thought we were doing better than this in our society.

@ Concerned what has she lied about?

All AA's in the school were told to attend. If they didn't, the guidance counselor would go to the classrooms and talk them into attending. Participation was based on race & gender, not behavior, not academics, not poverty, not emotional need.

My question is not based on the ethics of this, but rather it is based on the fact that do these statistics really need to be broken down into racial groups? Seeing a low number in a specific racial group just screams, "Fix me", but really that is just begging for racial injustice. Statistics should be based soulfully on grade level as well as on an individual basis. This is pure nonsense.

I hope EVERYONE will attend the next BOE meeting in Annapolis and speak up against this travesty!

Has anyone addressed the potentially damaging effects of separating black young kids and in effect confirming that "yes, you're different - you're disadvantaged."

It creates an "us vs them" mentality.

WOW.....for all that are complaining that it is a race based group, you are correct. For all those that have a problem with it, I ask you this....If the group were open to all students and only discussed issues that affect black male students would you still have a problem with "ManUp"?

@ The Truth are you saying that even if the group is inclusive of all races and genders that should address issues that affect all groups?
Then what about the chess club and the book clubs? Should they discuss subjects other than books or chess? If so why?
Once ManUp is made all inclusive then the group is free to discuss what they want as long as it doesnt step on others rights. To discuss issues that affect the young black male does not step on others rights. So I fail to see a problem once the group makes it public that it is all inclusive.

@ Brian What issues just affect black males?

@ The Truth so do you have an answer to my question?

I don't think there are any issues that only affect black males. If there are issues that only affect black males please enlighten me.

Who is paying for the Cinnabons?

@Double D Me.

@The truth I meant the questions "are you saying that even if the group is inclusive of all races and genders that should address issues that affect all groups?
Then what about the chess club and the book clubs? Should they discuss subjects other than books or chess? If so why?"
Sorry for the confusion.

Take anyone, regardless of race and tell them at a young age that they are at an disadvantage - that regardless of how hard they work or try, they will never be treated fairly.

Now search "self -fulfilling prophecy."

I agree John but how do you know that this group isnt telling them that they are advantaged? This would be one of the issues that black males have to deal with. The assumption that a group for them and about them is discussing negative issues. Hmmm.

@ Brian, The truth is that when a group of parents asked if they could attend a meeting, Dr. Ashworth cancelled the group so no one could attend. The issue is that it is ILLEGAL to hold a race based only group at a public school. It is against the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and COMAR 13A. If it were not illegal Dr. Ashworth would not have had to open this group up to all males. No other circumstances make it legal.

@Tracy If the group were made available to all students but still addressed the same issues that it currently addresses would that be ok with you? why or why not?

It just seems there is more being made of this than needs to be. If the group is made open to all then it falls within the legal limits, I would be ok with it. But if it does discriminate then I have an issue with it.

I would think most would think as you do. So now that the problem has been identified. I think the solution is to allow all that want to be involved admission to this group, so that a great program like this one doesnt get axed

Every race of people have challenges in life. The blacks need to stop making excuses and blaming everyone and work hard and improve themselves. I feel that blacks get more breaks and more things handed to them than any other racial group and I don't see anything changing. They ask for more and they don't take advantage of all the breaks given to them currently.

Tracy for School Board! (2 slots open this year)
http://www.aacps.org/admin/articlefiles/433-sbnc_application.pdf

I asked my son if he is attending the man up conference this Friday and his reply "um I don't know". He says he hasn't heard about the conference.

Sandy, you can't "talk to African-American kids as a group" during school hours and with school money---it's ILLEGAL!

All students are attending this Friday instead of going to their two encore classes (Art, P.E.,Music, etc.). Boys of all races in the gym. Girls of all races in various classrooms.

@Brian Cardwell I have some other issues with this group. One, who ARE these mentors? What are their credentials? Training? Is there a curriculumn? Exactly what is their message? I would think that any parent would want answers to these questions before allowing their kids to attend. If this were such a wonderful program, why would meetings be suddenly cancelled each time a parent expressed a desire to attend one? Is there something they don't want parents to see?

Are parents invited to the conference tomorrow?

@radarradar Do you ask the same questions of the chess club? I think not. You know what chess is. Do you know what being a black male is? Knowledge is key. Involve all people in this organization and then these type of questions go away. The questions you pose seem to be the same questions one would have with any new group. So why condemn this group as I am sure you would not condemn a new chess club even if you did not have the answers to those question?

@Brian Cardwell You're kidding, right? I was IN the chess club. TEACHERS taught chess in the chess club. Knowledge? That's what I WANT. KNOWLEDGE of the curriculum, of who's teaching, their training, I would certainly hope that you're not comparing learning how to play chess to character building (if that's indeed what's going on). And I would venture to guess that the chess club would not CANCEL their meetings whenever a parent wanted to attend to check it out. And the Principal more than likely wouldn't LIE about the club, stating that the club was open to anyone interested in learning how to play chess, when in actuality it was only open to an exclusive group (at least until a dedicated parent exposed the truth about the chessboard during testimony to the BOE). Finally, to your most obviously ridiculous statement of all; no, I probably know as much about being a black male as you would know about being any race other than yours. This is by far your weakest argument on this topic to date.

No I am not kidding. How do I know what is being discussed in the chess club unless I am there? Who are the mentors of the chess club? What are their credentials? Training? Is there a curriculumn? Exactly what is their message? One could ask the same questions of the chess club couldnt they? I am comparing the two. Why? Because the two groups are both social clubs.They both are teaching more that what the name suggest....and YES chess club does build character and confidence.
As far as the club being canceled, we dont know why they were canceled. If it were the chess club that was canceled twice (if we can believe what has been reported here), would you think that someone was hiding something or would you think there must have been a good reason for the cancellation? I think most would think the latter. So why think any different of the cancellation of the ManUp club? As far as my obviously ridiculous statement about knowing what it is like to be a black male, that was meant to express the fact that because you dont know what it is like to be a black male, you have know idea of what may be discussed at a club that was geared toward Black males unless you attend.
The bottom line is the ManUp club is something that needs to be there. It needs to be open to whoever wants to attend. It also should not change its focus because of who is attending.

I disagree with you one one thing. You say "it should not change it's focus beacause of who is attending". Of course it would need to change some.

So now today, there will be a Girls Happiness group--health, spirituality, etc ---and a boys' Man-Up group for the kids during Encore. I thought any public school entity which accepts Title IX funds from the fed government cannot segregate based on gender. PE is co-ed, tech-ed is co-ed, FACs is co-ed...so why a separate group for the boys and a separate one for girls? Isn't this illegal too? Someone needs to get a story started in the Capital, Post or Sun. The US Dept of Education needs to get involved in this too.

I have a son who was at AMS last year. He is white. I knew nothing of man up until this year when another parent asked me about. I was floored. I asked my son about it. He said yes, its for the black boys. I asked him did anyone ever tell you that you could not go. He said after the first meeting he said to his friend who went that he would go with him next time. He was told by his friend he could not go because he wasn't black. So the kids absolutely believe it is a black only group.

I've taught my kids the best I can not to ever judge a person on their race and it feels as though AMS is creating a divide that truly saddens me.

In a school, where there is tremendous diversity - that diversity should be embraced and not separated, encourage cohesiveness not decisiveness. A school is a community and unfortunately AMS has lost all sense of community.

Schooler-yes we should get this article out in the mainstream media.

If this group is supposed to be helping black students perform better on MSA Tests and cut down on referrals why are they holding meetings during school? Missing class time can't help them do better on tests. Why is this group not meeting after school like all the other clubs?

There is an article on the Capital Gazette today.

Wow, the article in the Capital Gazette is terrible! The news should be about the truth! Dr.Ashworth BLATENTLY LIED!!!!!!!!! She said it isn't only for black boys when it is. She also said it's to help them get in less trouble, when we all know it's for the good kids as well as the bad. How can we get the truth out? Someone needs to interview the kids and parents. I bet you can ask any kid who attends AMS and they will tell you it is only for black boys! I wish we could see the letter that was sent to all black boy's parents asking for permission to join the group. I wonder if it told them that it was only open to black boys. I would think if it did, at least some of them would've thought it was wrong.

The group is not race based as Tracy has said. It's there for all that need the help. Tracy seems to have personal issues with the principle. Tracy do you have a son that tried to join or are you one of those parents with nothing better to do then to make unfound accusatons.

Bill-I have a son who was told by his good friend (who is in the Man-Up group) that it is only for AA boys. By talking to some other parents I have found that other kids are saying the same. Why would the kids make that up? Do you have direct dealings with kids in the group?

Bill I have a personal issue with you being an ass.

I would like to say that I'm a parent of a child at Arundel Middle. I was furious when my son came home in October and told me that he was told to go to this "Man Up" activity. First of all I wasn't notified and had no idea what this program was all about. I immediately email Dr Ashworth and told her my concerns. My son was singled out just because of the color of his skin. He is a straight A student and has never had any behavioral problems. He was clearly told to go to this activities because he "fit the looK". Without checking his grades or seeing if he had had any prior behavioral issues which would warrant his participation in this program, no, he was just told to attend. And THAT is what was highly upsetting. So to me, based on my experience, this program is very ethnicially bias. Not to mention how upset my son was when he came home and told me about this program. He understood that it was exclusive and didn't like it. Needless to say that was his first and last time there.

Mom4kids--THANK YOU!!! Do you know any other parents of kids that either are in the group or declined to be in the group that would comment? It GREATLY helps our case to have you tell your experience.

I heard there were LOTS of pictures taken at the boys Man Up conference yesterday. I guess they need proof that all boys did attend and not just African American boys. Give me a break. They need to have pictures from all the meetings over the past two years to show who was there.

@Arundel Mom Ask to see the pictures taken at previous meetings. They do exsist. You will not be surprised

This is pathetic some people come on here and make up screen names with things that never happened. Dr.Ashworth is as professional as they come, can't say the same for some of the these lying parents. Try getting a life then maybe you won't be as envious of others.

Bill you sir are a douchebag. The things on here are true. Why don't you put your last name on here big man? I'm sure bill is your real name...not.

The only person who is lying is Dr. Ashworth!

LOL @The truth.....pot calling the kettle black..... "Why don't you put your last name on here big man?" I am sure "The Truth" is your real name. LOL
Just to clarify .... I am not referring to the name calling. LOL

@ Brian. I never said The Truth is my real name. I also never called someone out on the board for not using their real name and lying like Bill did. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and their are valid reasons that someone would not want to use their real name on here. Bill is not adding anything to this discussion with staements like this.

You have a point there John but since anyone can put any name in any website, it would be irresponsible for an employer to run a search and deem what they find credible.

@The Truth all I am saying is that it is sort of funny that one who uses an alias ask for someone else to use their real name. Sounds hypocritical to me ...just saying. Cheers

@ Brian I see your point Thanks. It just got me mad that Bill was saying that people are coming on here with made up names and were lying just because they made points that were different from his.

now that the club is set up for all students lets see how long before all the white kids who are coerced by their white parents into going keep attending.

Reggi you are the type of person that gives Blacks a bad name. Stop trying to race bait and add something constructive to the forum.

constructive forum, all I see is a bunch of white folks complaining about a program to help minority kids try to achieve a better education. dont start nothin, and there wont be nothin. Obama 2012.

Reggi you would be the first in line complaining if this was a white only group and a black child was denied access.

Thorny issue to say the least. The fact remains that the school is breaking the law by excluding students based on race.

No amount of money or well intentioned program will make up for a lack of property parenting or focus on education in the home. Most behavior problems start in the home. The solution is therefore in the home. Race actually has very little to do with the achievement gap.

Er.. That should have been proper parenting, not property parenting. Guess I need to go back to school.

@ Chris agreed.

@ Reggi N, you just restated that the group was started to" help minority students", but the good Dr. Ashworth continues to deny that. Also it was not to help "minority students" , it was specificly to help African American students. There are several other minorities represented at Arundel Middle School that were also excluded along with the caucasion students.

The next Man-up seminar is scheduled for June 1, starting shortly after homeroom. ALL male students are being sent.

It is for ALL MALES! What about the girls? Doesn't Anne Arundel County Public Schools receive Title IX funding that prohibits the exclusion of students from activities based on gender? So we have moved from a racial issue to a gender issue. What is with this principal? She just doesn't get it. Also, why have MAN-UP the last full week of school. Students are all taking their county benchmarks and one of the 8th grade teachers is giving her Algebra HSA tests tomorrow. Fridays always have a long Advisory until 8:25, but the Admin memo said MAN-UP would go until 8:45, which means 8:55 until teaching resumes because of transitioning. So what are the teachers suppose to do with a class full of girls from 8 a.m. to 8:55? What is this principal thinking?

Just read in the paper that a new Principal will be at Arundel Middle next year!

http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/schools/new-principals-going-to-schools/article_2b4f5287-982b-5a0b-b182-71bbc0086052.html

Now she will be at the board, making decisions that affect students through out the school system instead of just one school. How " straight forward" do you think she will be in this position ?

I read that the new assistant principal (Mr. Carlson) is coming from Arundel High School but he is not listed on their website. My neighbor (parent of high school child) told me that he was sent to the board last year and was not in the school most of the year. Is this true?

@ Concerned Yes, we should ALL be concerned. It now looks like rather than just hiding the good doctor in a place within the AA BOE maze where she would do the least harm (as it should be for those who royally screw up), she will unfortunately be put in a position where she will be able to spread her obviously racist beliefs throughout the entire school system, rather than just poisoning a single school, much like the Equity Assurance Person. It must be nice to sue your way to a cushy, do-nothing job...

Arundel parent 2018, yes it is true that he was not at AHS for a period of time, don,t know exactly where he was.