Hunter College has placed associate biology professor Allyson Friedman on leave after she made racially insensitive remarks during a virtual meeting, triggering intense backlash from the public and officials alike. The incident occurred during a Community Education Council meeting on February 10, where Friedman was caught on a hot mic making disparaging comments about Black students.

The Controversial Remarks

Friedman was attending the meeting as a parent of a public school student. During the virtual session, she reportedly said: ‘They’re too dumb to know they’re in a bad school,’ and later added, ‘If you train a Black person well enough, they’ll know to use the back. You don’t have to tell them anymore.’

The comments were made in response to remarks by Reginald Higgins, the interim acting superintendent of the school district, who was discussing the legacy of Carter G. Woodson, a prominent figure in Black history. Friedman’s words were immediately met with shock and disapproval from other attendees, with some covering their mouths in disbelief.

Response from Hunter College

Hunter College President Nancy Cantor announced in a statement that the university was reviewing Friedman’s behavior under its conduct and nondiscrimination policies. ‘Pending the outcome of our investigation, the employee has been placed on leave,’ Cantor said.

Cantor emphasized that the incident occurred during a meeting where Black History Month was being celebrated, and the discussion centered on the effects of systemic racism in education. ‘Hunter has long embraced such a role, which requires constant vigilance to remain attentive and responsive to the ways in which we continually draw and redraw discriminatory social lines,’ she wrote.

Friedman later attempted to explain her comments, stating she had been discussing systemic racism with her own child and was referencing an ‘obviously racist trope.’ She also claimed that a microphone error meant her full comments were not clearly heard. ‘My complete comments make clear these abhorrent views are not my own, nor were they directed at any student or group,’ she told the New York Times.

Public and Official Reactions

Public officials and community leaders swiftly condemned Friedman’s remarks. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal called the comments ‘outrageous’ and emphasized the harm caused to children present at the meeting. ‘It is particularly despicable that these vile words were uttered while children were giving testimony at the meeting, exposing them to this hatred,’ he said.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. expressed disbelief that Friedman had not yet been fired, stating on X: ‘She still isn’t fired???’ United Jewish Teachers president Moshe Spern echoed similar sentiments, calling her words ‘abhorrent and racist’ and urging Hunter College to take action until a full investigation is complete.

Cantor also announced that counseling services and an employee assistance program would be made available to anyone in the school community who felt they needed support following the incident. The university has committed to ensuring that all members of its community are treated with dignity and respect.

The incident has reignited conversations about racial sensitivity in educational institutions and the responsibility of public figures to uphold inclusive values. As the investigation continues, the outcome will determine whether Friedman will face disciplinary action or be allowed to return to her role at Hunter College.