New York Professor Put on Leave Following Controversial Remarks About Black Students

A professor affiliated with a New York College has been suspended following an avalanche of criticism for making shocking remarks about black students during a virtual meeting that was unintentionally broadcasted.

Allyson Friedman, an associate professor of biology at Hunter College, was overheard interrupting a black eighth-grade student's expression of concern regarding the possible closure of her public school in the Upper West Side, during a Community Education Council meeting held on February 10.

In a statement shared on Wednesday, Hunter College President Nancy Cantor addressed the actions taken in light of the incident. She stated, “I am writing to inform you about the steps Hunter College is pursuing related to the recent virtual meeting of the New York City School District 3 Community Education Council, where reprehensible comments were made by a district parent and also a Hunter employee.”

Cantor mentioned that the college is currently investigating the incident in accordance with the university’s policies regarding conduct and discrimination. “The employee has been placed on leave pending the results of our inquiry,” she noted.

The City University of New York (CUNY), which Hunter College is part of, disclosed that they are assessing Friedman’s behavior after footage of her comments circulated widely on social media, inciting public outrage.

While her mic was mistakenly left unmuted, Friedman was heard making remarks, stating, “They’re too dumb to know they’re in a bad school,” during the meeting she participated in as a parent of a public school student.

Friedman also commented, “If you train a black person well enough, they’ll know to use the back,” alluding to prior remarks made by Reginald Higgins, the interim superintendent of the school district. Higgins had referenced scholar Carter G. Woodson, known as the father of black history, earlier in the session.

Woodson’s work from 1933, “The Mis-Education of the Negro,” included the line: “If you make a man think that he is justly an outcast, you do not have to order him to the back door. He will go without being told.”

The reactions to Friedman’s comments were swift, as several attendees denounced her remarks, while others were visibly taken aback. The meeting experienced a moment of deafening silence for around ten seconds before the moderators apologized to the affected students and prompted them to proceed.

In her defense, Friedman later claimed that she was merely trying to explain systemic racism to her child using an example of a racist stereotype, asserting that her comments might not have been entirely clear due to a microphone error. “My complete comments clarify these offensive views are not mine and were not directed at any student or group,” she told the New York Times.

Public figures quickly expressed their disapproval of the professor’s actions, calling for immediate disciplinary action from Hunter College. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman Sigal labeled the comments as “outrageous,” condemning the timing of the remarks made amid the testimony of young attendees at the meeting and exposing them to such vitriol.

“Why hasn’t she been fired?” questioned Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. via X, emphasizing the inappropriateness of her words and expressing concern for the children present during the incident. “Her statements are appalling and racist. It is distressing for all the children who witnessed this. Hunter should not permit her to retain her position until a comprehensive investigation is concluded,” remarked United Jewish Teachers President Moshe Spern.

Cantor stressed in her announcement of Friedman’s leave that counseling services and support programs are available to any individual within the school community who might require assistance. She further acknowledged the painful context of the remarks being made during a meeting dedicated to Black History Month, where vital discussions around the impact of anti-Black racism were taking place, particularly concerning the responsibilities of educational institutions in addressing such issues.

“Hunter College has committed to this role, which necessitates constant vigilance to navigate the ongoing dynamics of social discrimination,” Cantor concluded.