A Hunter College associate professor was placed on leave after allegedly making racist comments 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 about possible school closures in Manhattan. Professor Allyson Friedman, who was attending the meeting as a parent, did not know her microphone was on when she made the controversial comments.According to recordings of the meeting that later circulated online, Friedman was heard saying that black students were “too dumb to know that they are in a bad school.” He also made comments referencing segregation, stating: “If you train a black person well enough, they will know how to use their back. You don’t have to tell them anymore.”
The comments were made as an eighth-grade student spoke about her fears that her school could be closed. The meeting fell silent when participants realized that Friedman’s microphone was live, and the moderators quickly apologized 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 comments as “abhorrent.”The university, which is 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 be taken.Friedman later apologized for his comments, saying they were taken out of context and that he had been trying to explain systemic racism to his son by referencing a racist trope. He said his views did not reflect statements heard during the meeting.“Regardless of the context, my words were wrong and caused harm,” he said, adding that he takes full responsibility for their impact.The comments drew sharp criticism from public officials and educational leaders. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal called the comments “outrageous,” while Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. questioned why stronger action had not been taken yet.Education officials said racism has no place in schools and emphasized the need to support affected students and families.The controversy has intensified the 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.