CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Controversy hovered over some parents as they dropped off their kids for the first day of school in Camden Friday morning. Parents and the superintendent have called on the advisory school board president to resign following a sexual assault settlement.
In January, Advisory Board President Wasim 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.
State District Superintendent Katrina McCombs said Muhammad’s refusal to step down has been a distraction, and she called for his resignation. She said the collective focus this year should be on student success.
“Our main No. 1, laser-like focus and top priority is focusing in on our young people,” she said outside Wilson Early Childhood Development Center Friday morning. “Our motto is that we put students first, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Parents agreed that Muhammad should go.
“I think it’s hard for everybody,” said Saniyah Mahan. “It’s hard for the family, hard for the school district because it’s been covered up for so long. I just feel for everybody in this situation.”
“Really, he shouldn’t be here,” added Jeanette Ellis. “Honestly, that’s like, crazy.”
Muhammad has said he would not step down and contended that he did not do anything wrong.
Gov. Phil Murphy has asked for Muhammad’s resignation as well, but the power to remove Muhammad sits with the other board members, who can remove him by a majority vote.
Muhammad could also be voted out by the public, but the next school board election isn’t until 2027.