Hunter College Allyson Friedman Criticized Over Racist Remark

Allyson Friedman is an associate professor at Hunter College. She has faced significant backlash after a racist remark she made was caught on a live microphone during a Community Education Council (CEC3) meeting earlier this month.

The comments were made on February 10. This was during a hybrid virtual meeting about Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s plan to close or relocate several public schools on the West Side. This topic has been controversial among families and educators in Manhattan’s District 3.

The meeting was held at the Joan of Arc school and streamed via Zoom. It allowed students and parents to express their concerns about the proposed changes.

Moment Caught on Video

According to reports, an eighth-grade student from Community Action School had spoken passionately about her fear of losing her school. Friedman, seemingly unaware that her microphone was on, interrupted her with a statement many considered “blatantly racist.”

“They’re too d*mb to know they’re in a bad school,” Friedman said. “If you train a Black person well enough, they’ll know to use the back. You don’t have to tell them anymore.”

Her comments, which seemed to echo a historical quote about systemic racism, caused gasps among the participants. One person on the call told Friedman, “What you’re saying is absolutely hearable here; you’ve got to stop.”

After a moment of stunned silence, the moderators apologized to the student and let her continue.

Apology and Context from Friedman

Days later, Friedman issued a statement taking responsibility for her remarks. She claimed the words were part of a separate conversation with her child present, in which she tried to explain systemic racism. She claimed she accidentally broadcast it due to an unintentional unmuting.

“My remarks were not directed at the student speaker, and they do not reflect my beliefs or values,” Friedman stated. “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 added that she sent written apologies to Dr. Reginald Higgins, interim superintendent of District 3, the Community Action School, and the Community Education Council.

Institutional and Community Response

Hunter College officials condemned Friedman’s remarks as “abhorrent” and confirmed that the institution is reviewing the incident under its conduct and nondiscrimination policies. A spokesperson told reporters that the college remains committed to “an inclusive educational environment free of discrimination of any kind.”

Local education leaders have also spoken out. City Council Education Chair Rita Joseph described the comments as “blatantly racist and harmful,” while Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman Sigal labeled them “outrageous,” especially since she made them in the presence of children.

Alongside official criticisms, a petition circulating online has gathered hundreds of signatures calling for Friedman’s removal from her academic position. Supporters argue that her words are incompatible with being an educator and community leader.

Broader Context and Fallout

This incident has brought renewed attention to the larger issues of systemic racism and equity in education policies. While Friedman claimed she aimed to educate about historical racial injustice, many educators and parents have dismissed that defense.

They mentioned that the words themselves and the setting in which she said them caused harm that explanations can’t handle.

As Hunter College conducts its review, questions remain regarding the potential consequences for Friedman’s career and the long-term impact on community trust.