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College releases statement after professor heard on hot mic making ‘blatantly racist’ comment about student
A Hunter College professor is facing intense backlash after she was caught on a hot mic making what officials have described as “blatantly racist” remarks during a New York City public schools meeting.
Allyson Friedman, an associate professor of biology at the Manhattan-based CUNY school, allegedly made the comments during a Community Education Council meeting on February 10, where students and parents were discussing concerns about potential school closures in Manhattan’s District 3.
The professor, who was attending the virtual meeting as a parent, didn't realise her microphone was accidentally left unmuted as a Black eighth-grade student spoke about fears her Upper West Side school could be shut down.
“They’re too dumb to know they’re in a bad school,” she was allegedly heard saying. “If you train a black person well enough, they’ll know to use the back... You don’t have to tell them anymore.”
Her offensive comments appeared to reference earlier remarks made by Reginald Higgins, the school district’s interim acting superintendent, who cited Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black history, during the discussion.
“If you make a man think that he is justly an outcast, you do not have to order him to the back door. He will go without being told,” Woodson wrote in his 1933 book, The Mis-education of the Negro.
According to reports, education officials and participants on the Zoom call were visibly stunned. Two adults quickly intervened.
“Allyson Friedman, what you’re saying is absolutely hearable here. You’ve got to stop,” one man snapped while others sat in shock.
The meeting reportedly fell silent for about 10 seconds before moderators apologized to the student and encouraged her to continue speaking.
College Launches Review As Backlash Grows
Hunter College confirmed it is reviewing the situation following widespread criticism after the video circulated online.
“Even as these remarks were made in the individual’s role as a private citizen and we understand that the district is conducting an investigation into the matter, Hunter College is reviewing the situation under the university’s applicable conduct and nondiscrimination policies,” the school wrote in a statement obtained by The New York Post.
The college added that it remains committed to fostering "an inclusive educational environment that is free of discrimination of any kind, in which people of all identities will feel welcome and can thrive".
It remains unclear whether Friedman’s tenured status could affect potential disciplinary action, though tenure may make dismissal more difficult.
Officials And Leaders Condemn Comments
Reaction from city officials and community leaders was swift and fierce.
“I am deeply disturbed by the blatantly racist and harmful remarks made during the CEC3 [Community Education Council for School District 3] meeting…,” Councilwoman Rita Joseph, who chairs the education committee, said on Instagram.
Brad Hoylman Sigal, the Manhattan borough president, described Friedman’s comments as “outrageous," adding: “It is particularly despicable that these vile words were uttered while children were giving testimony at the meeting, exposing them to this hatred."
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. also weighed in online, writing: “She still isn’t fired???”
Councilwoman Inna Vernikov added: “I’d love to see how CUNY deals with this and would love to see consequences for this racist Professor. Nothing happens to openly antisemitic Professors at CUNY. Happy to work together to hold CUNY accountable.”
United Jewish Teachers President Moshe Spern said: “She shouldn’t be near any child at all. Her words are abhorrent and racist. I feel awful for all those children who witnessed this. Hunter shouldn’t allow her to continue in her role until a full investigation is complete.”
Professor Issues Apology And Explanation
Friedman released an apology statement, claiming that her words were taken out of context and were part of a conversation with her child about systemic racism when her microphone accidentally unmuted.
“My remarks were not directed at the student speaker, and they do not reflect my beliefs or values,” she told the West Side Rag, which first reported on the comments.
“Regardless of context, my words were wrong and caused real harm. I take full responsibility for their impact, and I am deeply sorry to the students, families, educators, and community members who were hurt.”
She also issued another apology, saying: “My complete comments make clear these abhorrent views are not my own, nor were they directed at any student or group," per Sky News Australia. “I fully support these courageous students in their efforts to stop school closures.
“However, I recognize these comments caused harm and pain, while that was not my intent I do truly apologize," she added.