Current and former lawmakers in Maryland are calling for significant changes after reports of abuse emerged from the Freestate Challenge Academy, a military-style camp for at-risk youth. Investigative findings by The Baltimore Sun revealed that vulnerable teens enrolled in the program experienced repeated violent incidents over the past six years, with staff members often implicated in the abuse.
Reports indicated that from 2019, there were at least 14 documented incidents of violent attacks at the camp, with nine of these allegedly perpetrated by staff members responsible for the teens’ care. The academy, operated by the Maryland National Guard, has come under scrutiny for its handling of these incidents and the overall safety of its environment.
Senator Angela Alsobrooks, a Democrat, expressed her dismay over the findings, describing the situation as “deeply concerning and unacceptable.” She emphasized the need for accountability and the importance of ensuring the safety of cadets in future operations. The camp has previously dismissed staff for violent behavior, yet reports suggest that new incidents of abuse continued to surface annually.
Among the allegations is the creation of an after-hours “fight club” by two staff members, who reportedly encouraged cadets to engage in physical fights. One of the dismissed staffers, Marcus Lisbon, has filed a lawsuit claiming wrongful termination while detailing his involvement in the fight club. In a letter addressed to Adjutant General Janeen L. Birckhead, his colleague Michael Roundtree echoed concerns about inadequate training, stating that a lack of proper guidance led to unprofessional behavior among staff.
The repercussions of these abuses extend beyond individual incidents. Former Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich, a Republican, criticized the systemic failures, stating that the situation represents a poor investment of taxpayer resources and ultimately harms the youths the program aims to help. He raised concerns about the broader implications of failing to address the issues surrounding troubled teens, emphasizing the risk of contributing to a cycle of violence.
In response to the allegations, current Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, has refrained from commenting specifically on the reported abuses or indicating plans for staff training improvements. Following an inspection that deemed the Freestate facility inadequate, the Maryland National Guard temporarily closed the camp in September 2023, with intentions to renovate before reopening.
Both Senator Alsobrooks and Senator Chris Van Hollen have called for a thorough reassessment of hiring and training processes at Freestate. Van Hollen remarked on the troubling nature of the reported violence, asserting that the Maryland National Guard must take full accountability for past actions and ensure that the safety and well-being of cadets are prioritized moving forward.
The Maryland Military Department has not disclosed specific details regarding staff training protocols or hiring practices. Public Affairs Manager Chazz Kibbler reiterated the department’s commitment to providing a safe environment but faced criticism for inadequate responses to allegations of misconduct.
The ongoing situation has prompted calls for public school systems, particularly Harford County Public Schools, to reconsider recommending the Freestate program to families. State Delegate Lauren Arikan emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, urging schools to refrain from endorsements until there is a clear understanding of program reforms.
One former cadet, Nathanael Royal, shared his personal experience of being attacked at the academy, highlighting lapses in supervision that allowed for violence among cadets. His claims, alongside others, underscore the urgent need for reform within the Freestate Challenge Academy and the Maryland National Guard.
The revelations surrounding the Freestate Challenge Academy point to a critical need for systemic change to ensure the safety and well-being of young people in such programs. As investigations continue, state leaders are advocating for meaningful reforms to prevent further incidents of abuse and to restore trust in the institution.
