CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Parents in Camden are calling for the president of the city school board to resign in the wake of a sexual assault claim decades earlier.
In January, Wasim Muhammad took a leave of absence from his position amid allegations of sexual assault against a student in the 1990s. A civil sexual assault case involving the two was settled in June.
A 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.
The Camden City School District was also named in the suit.
Parents voiced their outrage at a community meeting Tuesday night, interrupting Muhammad’s attempts to make a public comment by yelling, whistling and asking him to step down as president so the “issue can be put to rest.”
One of Muhammad’s family members tried to speak but was also interrupted.
Jeff Fritz, the victim’s attorney, read a statement from her.
“I say, in the hopes that you, the board and superintendent make a decision to put the children and families first, and remove this man from his duties.”
Troy Archie, who represented Muhammad in court, told reporters his client is not stepping down.
“He wishes to serve the community. I understand it's a contentious situation, but again, I believe he's absolved of any sexual misconduct within this legal lawsuit,” Archie said.
The superintendent and board members went into closed session, and the meeting was adjourned before they got to any other items on the agenda.
State District Superintendent Katrina McCombs said the district humbly acknowledges the challenge it presently faces and it “remains committed to a successful start to the 2024-2025 school year.”
“Our top priority is to ensure that students, staff, and families have the resources they need to succeed,” McCombs said. “Our students’ socioemotional and academic well-being drives our efforts. We are confident that, together, we can overcome these challenges and create a thriving environment for everyone in our district.”