An associate professor at Hunter College in New York City is facing widespread backlash after she was caught on a live microphone making racist remarks about black students during a heated school assembly in New York City.Allison Friedman, a tenure-track biology professor, was attending a virtual Community Education Council (CEC) meeting on February 10 as a public school parent when the incident occurred. The meeting was addressing a controversial proposal to close or move several schools in Manhattan’s District 3.During the live broadcast, when a Black eighth-grade student spoke about concerns about the possibility of her school closing, Friedman was heard interjecting: “They’re too stupid to know they’re in a bad school.” Then she added, “If you train a black person well enough, they’ll know how to use the back. You don’t have to tell them anymore.”The remarks, which were broadcast on public air, sparked immediate outrage from parents, students and city officials.Friedman appears to be referring to a quote by historian Carter G. Woodson about systemic racism and social conditioning. However, critics said the context did little to mitigate the impact of her words.
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Segal called the comments “outrageous,” adding that it was particularly troubling that such statements would be made while children were testifying. Education officials and community leaders condemned the remarks as racist and harmful.
What Hunter College said
Hunter College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, called the comments “abhorrent” and confirmed it was reviewing whether they violated the institution’s conduct and nondiscrimination policies.
The local school district is reportedly investigating the matter.
“It was not my intention”: the professor apologizes
In a statement to the media, Friedman said her microphone had been inadvertently left on, and claimed she was trying to explain systemic racism to her child by pointing out what she described as an “obvious racist trope.” She said her “full comments” made it clear that the views were not her own and were not directed at any student or group.“I realize that these comments caused hurt and pain. Although this was not my intention, I truly apologize,” she said, adding that she supports students who oppose the proposed school closures.This controversy has intensified an already fraught debate over school closures and equity and racial disparities in New York City’s public education system, with renewed scrutiny of accountability and sensitivity within institutions of higher education.
