Fired N.J. Teacher Sues After Colleagues Learn About His Expunged Criminal History

A former Paterson schools media specialist sued the district, alleging that he was fired when staff discovered a 20-year-old conviction, even though the record was wiped and the conviction was overturned.

The federal lawsuit states that 64-year-old Askiaa Nash began working at Roberto Clemente School in August 2024. He wanted to create a teacher-residency program to coach and mentor prospective teachers. Nash claims he was misled to, excluded from critical meetings, and unemployed.

He stated school staff discussed Nash’s weeks after hiring him. He was found guilty of sexual assault and endangering minors as a Newark librarian in 2002. He received parole after nine years of a 22-year sentence. The New Jersey Supreme Court overturned his arrest and conviction due to missing evidence.

In his third week, a coworker told Nash that other employees had checked his record online and were uneasy with him working there, even if it was cleared. Nash was told staff didn’t want to work with him and didn’t feel safe near students.

Nash got lonely, says the plaintiff. Some allege teachers ignored him, wouldn’t let him take the elevator, and didn’t let him attend the holiday party. He maintains he didn’t collect job-related student data, but underachieving kids did.

Due to stress, Nash hated working. A “non-approval for continued employment” review got him fired in June 2025.

Nash wants a jury trial. He wants his district back, $10 million in damages, and $5 million for pain and suffering.

Paterson Public Schools can’t comment due to lawsuit.