Kamal Ghorui
An associate professor at Hunter College has been placed on leave after allegedly making racist remarks about Black students during a virtual public school meeting, sparking widespread outrage and an official investigation.The incident took place on February 10 during a Community Education Council (CEC) District 3 meeting, where parents, students and officials were discussing concerns over potential school closures in Manhattan. The professor, Allyson Friedman, who was attending the meeting as a parent, was unaware that her microphone was unmuted when she made the controversial comments.According to recordings of the meeting that later circulated online, Friedman was heard saying Black students were “too dumb to know they’re in a bad school.” She also made remarks referencing segregation, stating, “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 while an eighth-grade student was speaking about fears that her school could be shut down. The meeting fell silent as participants realised Friedman’s microphone was live, and moderators quickly apologised before continuing the session.Hunter College president Nancy Cantor said in a statement that the institution had launched an investigation under its conduct and nondiscrimination policies.“Pending the outcome of our investigation, the employee has been placed on leave,” Cantor said, describing the remarks as “abhorrent.”The college, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, has not confirmed whether Friedman’s leave is paid or whether further disciplinary action will follow.Friedman later apologised for her remarks, saying they were taken out of context and that she had been attempting to explain systemic racism to her child by referencing a racist trope. She said her views did not reflect the statements heard during the meeting.“Regardless of context, my words were wrong and caused harm,” she said, adding that she takes full responsibility for their impact.The remarks drew sharp criticism from public officials and education leaders. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal called the comments “outrageous,” while Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. questioned why stronger action had not yet been taken.Education officials said racism has no place in schools and emphasised the need to support affected students and families.The controversy has intensified debate over racial equity and accountability in educational institutions. Hunter College said it remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment and will take appropriate action based on the outcome of its investigation.
