To:  Vice President N'Namdee Nelson

City of Camden School District and all Advisory Board members

CC:  The Honorable Victor G. Carstarphen

Mayor of the City of Camden, New Jersey 

Dear Vice President Nelson: 

We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens of Camden, New Jersey, and we respectfully petition for the immediate removal of Wasim Muhammad from his position as the President of the Camden School Board after the  legally required hearing. Our concerns are based on the following points:

1. Repeated Absences: Wasim Muhammad has missed multiple consecutive school board meetings, which is a violation of state law. The consistent absence of the school board president undermines the board’s ability to effectively govern and make decisions in the best interest of our students and community. (See: N.J.S.A. 18A:12-3) 

2. “Grossly negligent…cause harm to Jane Doe”: Wasim Muhammad has been found liable after being accused of sexual assault by his former student. This serious offense is incompatible with the values and ethical standards expected of a leader in our education system. His continued presence on the school board sends a damaging message to the community and does not align with the moral integrity required for the role.

3. Private School Code Violations: Wasim Muhammad operates a private school that has been cited for multiple code violations. This raises significant concerns about his ability to ensure a safe and compliant educational environment, both within his private endeavors and in his capacity as a school board president. This is in violation of the New Jersey's School Ethics Act N.J.S.A. 18A:12-21 et seq., as it creates a conflict of interest and the appearance of impropriety.

4. The governor of New Jersey has asked Min. Muhammad to resign. The governor is responsible for overseeing $312 million. The advisory board should follow his lead. 

5. The district is compelled to update policies related to inappropriate student and staff interactions. These policies must be presented to the board by the September 2024 meeting. 

Given these issues, we believe that Wasim Muhammad's removal from the school board is necessary to maintain the integrity of our educational system and to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. His actions and neglect have demonstrated a clear disregard for the responsibilities and ethical standards required for this position.

We urge the Camden School District to take immediate action in accordance with state laws and regulations to address this matter. The children and families of Camden deserve leadership that is present, accountable, and trustworthy.

Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. We look forward to your prompt and decisive action.

Sincerely,

Elton Custis, Community Activist   

 Endrix Afanador, Community Activist 

and al the signers of this petition