I just don't know what to say.
Shaker Heights, an affluent suburb of Cleveland, operates a program called the Minority Achievement Committee Scholars that serves as a model.
This program was started 15 years ago by a group of junior and senior African-American males at Shaker Heights High who mentor to freshmen and sophomore males.
"They believed there were not enough role models and a lot of capable young men were running off the rails," said Peggy Caldwell, communications director for Shaker Heights schools. "Their job is to mentor, coach, cajole and hassle the younger students. It's been very successful."
School officials in Teaneck created an after-school club for African-American boys two years ago, where members of the business community serve as role models.
Some parents and civil rights officials have questioned whether such programs are counter-productive.
The New York Civil Rights Coalition last year filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education over a similar program at the City University of New York, said Michael Meyers, the group's executive director.
Meyers said Monday his group is considering filing a complaint against Ossining's efforts, which he has called a process that could make the boys feel inferior and different.
I just don't know what to say.
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