Hunter College professor Allyson Friedman placed on leave for racist hot mic comments
Share this @internewscast.com

A professor from Hunter College has been placed on leave following significant public uproar over her controversial remarks about black students, which were accidentally made during a virtual meeting.

This action was taken after Allyson Friedman, an associate biology professor at Hunter College, was overheard interrupting a black eighth-grade student who was voicing concerns about the potential closure of her Upper West Side public school. The incident occurred during a public Community Education Council meeting on February 10.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Hunter College President Nancy Cantor addressed the situation, saying, “I wish to provide an update regarding the actions Hunter College is taking following the incident at the recent virtual meeting of the New York City School District 3 Community Education Council, where offensive remarks were heard from a district parent who is also a Hunter employee.”

Cantor further mentioned, “As previously stated, we are conducting an investigation into this matter according to the university’s conduct and nondiscrimination policies.”

The statement also noted, “The employee has been placed on leave pending the results of our investigation.”

Previously, the City University of New York (CUNY) institution announced it was “reviewing” Friedman’s actions after her comments, which quickly went viral and caused a widespread public outcry.

“They’re too dumb to know they’re in a bad school,” Friedman was heard saying while her mic was unknowingly unmuted, according to a recording of the meeting posted online, which she had attended as a parent of a public school student.

“If you train a black person well enough, they’ll know to use the back,” she said. “You don’t have to tell them anymore.”

She seemed to be referring to a comment made by Reginald Higgins, the school district’s interim acting superintendent, who spoke about scholar Carter G. Woodson, the father of black history, earlier in the meeting.

“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,” Woodson wrote in his 1933 book “The Mis-Education of the Negro.”

Two other adults in the virtual meeting quickly called out the professor, while others sat shocked with their hands over their mouths.

The entire meeting went dead silent for about 10 seconds before the moderators apologized to the student and urged her to continue.

Friedman later excused her language by stating she was explaining systematic racism to her own child, “by referencing an example of an obviously racist trope,” adding her full remarks weren’t completely audible due to a microphone mistake.

“My complete comments make clear these abhorrent views are not my own, nor were they directed at any student or group,” Friedman told the New York Times.

Public officials quickly slammed the professor’s conduct and urged Hunter College to take immediate action.

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman Sigal called the comments “outrageous.”

“It is particularly despicable that these vile words were uttered while children were giving testimony at the meeting, exposing them to this hatred,” he said.

“She still isn’t fired???” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. also wrote on X.

“She shouldn’t be near any child at all. Her words are abhorrent and racist. I feel awful for all those children who witnessed this. Hunter shouldn’t allow her to continue in her role until a full investigation is complete,” United Jewish Teachers president Moshe Spern wrote.

Cantor added in the statement announcing the decision to place Friedman on leave that counseling services and an employee assistance program were available for members of the school community who feel they need support.

“This painful incident unfolded at a meeting where Black History Month was being celebrated, and the pernicious and enduring effects of anti-Black systemic racism were being discussed, especially with regard to the role of educational institutions in addressing them,” Cantor wrote.

“Hunter has long embraced such a role, which requires constant vigilance to remain attentive and responsive to the ways in which we continually draw and redraw discriminatory social lines.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Met Gala 2026 dress code revealed: 'Fashion is Art'

Met Gala 2026 Dress Code Unveiled: Embracing ‘Fashion as Art

NEW YORK — You certainly don’t need to remind Beyoncé about the…
Ex-Air Force pilot who allegedly trained Chinese military pilots arrested

Former U.S. Air Force Pilot Detained for Allegedly Assisting Chinese Military: Unveiling the Controversy

The U.S. Justice Department revealed on Wednesday the arrest of a former…
Jacksonville rapper Ksoo pleads guilty to 2019 murder, given 10 years in prison on top of life sentence

Jacksonville Rapper Ksoo’s 2019 Murder Guilty Plea: 10-Year Sentence Adds to Life Imprisonment

In a significant development, Jacksonville rapper Ksoo, legally known as Hakeem Robinson,…
Terrifying moment caught on camera as road collapse suddenly swallows vehicles at busy intersection

Shocking Footage Captures Road Collapse Engulfing Cars at Bustling Intersection

Dramatic footage captured the heart-stopping moment when a roadway gave way beneath…
4 people on Florida boat killed by Cuban forces after entering its waters: officials

Cuban Forces Reportedly Kill Four Aboard Florida Vessel in Territorial Waters Incident

Cuban authorities have reported the fatal shooting of four individuals aboard an…
Martin Short's daughter 'bonded' with Nick Reiner when they played together as kids: Report

Report: Martin Short’s Daughter and Nick Reiner Developed Childhood Bond Through Play

In a recent revelation, it has come to light that Martin Short’s…
Treasury sanctions Iran's petroleum 'shadow fleet,' ballistic missile networks

Treasury Targets Iran’s Covert Oil Fleet and Ballistic Missile Networks with New Sanctions

The U.S. Treasury Department took decisive action on Wednesday, imposing sanctions on…
Child predator dubbed 'monster parents fear most' cleared for release through California parole program

Controversial Parole Decision: Infamous Child Predator Set for Release Sparks Outrage in California

A notorious California child molester, once labeled as “the monster parents fear…
Human remains found in submerged car believed to belong to Florida mother who vanished 22 years ago

Submerged Car Yields Human Remains of Florida Mom Missing for 22 Years

In a poignant breakthrough over two decades in the making, divers have…
Sanders Mullin clash in heated Senate surgeon general hearing over systemic problems

Intense Senate Showdown: Sanders and Mullin Spar Over Deep-Rooted Issues in Surgeon General Hearing

A fiery exchange erupted between Independent Senator Bernie Sanders and Republican Senator…
Millionaire philanthropist allegedly gunned down by worker in female wig; ambushes Maryland trooper: police

Shocking Twist: Maryland Millionaire’s Tragic Demise in Bizarre Wig-Wearing Worker Ambush

A 22-year-old employee from an assisted living facility, accused of donning long…
NYC social services spending has ballooned 50% since COVID: state budget chief

NYC Social Services Budget Surges by 50% Since Pandemic: Insights from State Budget Chief

New York City’s social services budget has surged by over 50% since…