SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — After a tumultuous start to the school year in Camden, the embattled president of the advisory school board has resigned from his position.
In a letter to the board, Wasim Muhammad said his presence has become a "distraction" that is "shifting the spotlight away" from the important objectives of the district. He said that while he was "exonerated" from the most "egregious accusations" against him by a former student, it is with a heavy heart that he’s stepping down.
In January, Muhammad took a leave of absence amid allegations of having a sexual relationship with a student in the 1990s. Muhammad and the former student settled a lawsuit with the Camden City School District for $2 million in June.
A civil jury found Muhammad did not assault or commit non-consensual contact with the victim but said he “committed extreme or outrageous conduct” that caused harm.
Recent school board meetings have been overshadowed by parents and residents demanding that Muhammad step aside. Superintendent Katrina McCombs and Gov. Phil Murphy also called for his resignation.
McCombs said she hopes this news helps the community come together and heal so students can once again be the focus.