A meeting to consider firing the president of the Camden School Board – who is accused of behaving in an “extreme and outrageous manner” toward a former student 30 years ago – ended in chaos on Tuesday.

The meeting took place at Camden High School at 1700 Park Boulevard in Camden, New Jersey. Camden residents and activists called for the immediate dismissal of 56-year-old Camden School Board Chairman Wasim Muhammad.

Muhammad, formerly known as Donnie Walker, was accused of sexually abusing a middle school student 30 years ago when he was a teacher. In June, a jury in a civil trial found he “recklessly and willfully committed extreme and outrageous acts,” although they did not believe he sexually abused the student. The Camden City School District agreed to a $2 million settlement with the former student.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Jeff Fritz, the former student’s attorney, showed the crowd a photo of his client and read a brief statement from her.

“Every day I consciously try to function as a mother, wife and educator,” said Fritz on behalf of his client. “I am plagued by memories and nightmares.”

The meeting soon became heated, and the crowd repeatedly chanted and demanded Muhammad’s removal. At one point, Muhammad helped remove a woman who had become upset about the attacks against him. Muhammad’s wife also tried to defend her husband, but was drowned out by the noise and whistles of the crowd.

While the Camden School District did not directly say whether it would ask Muhammad to resign, state district Superintendent Katrina T. McCombs issued a statement.

“While we humbly acknowledge the challenge we currently face, the Camden City School District remains committed to a successful start to the 2024-2025 school year,” McCombs wrote. “Our top priority is to ensure students, staff and families have the resources they need to succeed. The socioemotional and academic well-being of our students is what drives our efforts. We are confident that together we can overcome these challenges and create a thriving environment for everyone in our district.”

NBC10’s Aaron Baskerville attempted to speak with Muhammad at Tuesday’s meeting. Muhammad walked away and asked him to wait until after the meeting. Baskerville was later locked out of the hallway and unable to get to the school superintendent.

Finally, Troy Archie, Muhammad’s lawyer, spoke on camera.

“I think it will come up, but ultimately he will have to suppress it,” Archie said when asked how Muhammad could prevent calls for his resignation from becoming a distraction during the school year.

A motion to dismiss Muhammad is currently pending, as the school board does not have the authority to force him to leave.