Hunter College Professor's Hot Mic Racist Remarks Spark Outrage in NYC
A tenured professor at Hunter College has ignited a firestorm of controversy after being caught on a hot microphone making what officials have described as "abhorrent remarks" about Black students during a virtual public meeting. The incident occurred earlier this month during a Community Education Council gathering where school closure proposals were being debated.
The Shocking Incident
Associate Professor Allyson Friedman, who works in the Department of Biological Sciences at Hunter College, was participating virtually in the Community Education Council meeting when her microphone remained active during what she claims was a private conversation. As an eighth-grade Black student spoke passionately about her love for her teachers and her disappointment at the prospect of her school closing, Friedman's voice cut into the proceedings with disturbing commentary.
"They're too dumb to know they're in a bad school," Friedman was heard saying. "If you train a Black person well enough, they'll know to use the back. You don't have to tell them anymore."
Video footage of the virtual meeting, which was uploaded by the council this week, shows attendees visibly shocked and confused by the professor's remarks. One participant immediately responded, "What you're saying is absolutely hearable here. You've got to stop."
Historical Context and Immediate Fallout
Friedman's mention of "the back" appeared to reference an earlier discussion about a quote from renowned African American historian Carter G. Woodson, who wrote: "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 meeting was convened to discuss proposals from Zohran Mamdani that could potentially close or relocate three Upper West Side public schools, prompting concerns about unnecessary disruptions to students' education.
In the immediate aftermath, Hunter College issued a strong statement condemning Friedman's remarks. A spokesperson called the comments "abhorrent" and emphasized the institution's commitment to maintaining an inclusive educational environment free from discrimination. The university announced it would be reviewing the situation under applicable conduct and nondiscrimination policies.
Widespread Condemnation from Officials
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from numerous New York City officials and education leaders. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman Sigal posted his reaction on Friday, stating: "The anti-Black comments made at the February 10 meeting of CEC3 are outrageous and have no place anywhere, especially in civic discourse. It is particularly despicable that these vile words were uttered while children were giving testimony at the meeting, exposing them to this hatred."
City Council Education Chair Rita Joseph called the comments "unacceptable" and "deeply disturbing," noting that they speak to "a deeper and enduring issue within our New York City public school system: systemic racism that continues to show up in policies, practices and as we saw, in rhetoric."
The school district's interim superintendent, Reginald Higgins, emailed parents blasting what he called "demeaning assumptions" without specifically naming Friedman. The video's publication by the Community Education Council for District Three has sparked furious discussion throughout New York City about racism in educational settings.
Friedman's Explanation and Apology
In her defense, Friedman claimed she was addressing her child and didn't realize her microphone was still active. In an email obtained by the New York Times, she stated she was "trying to explain the concept of systemic racism by referencing an example of an obviously racist trope." She maintained that the larger context of her commentary wasn't picked up by her microphone.
"My complete comments make clear these abhorrent views are not my own, nor were they directed at any student or group," Friedman said. "I fully support these courageous students in their efforts to stop school closures. However, I recognize these comments caused harm and pain, while that was not my intent, I do truly apologize."
The professor has sent personal apologies to the superintendent, the affected school, and the education council in the wake of the controversy. According to New York City Public Schools data, just under 20 percent of students identify as Black, and many districts facing potential mergers, closures, or relocations frequently educate majority populations of students of color.
The incident has raised serious questions about racial attitudes within educational institutions and the impact of such rhetoric on students already facing potential school disruptions. As the review process unfolds at Hunter College, the broader conversation about systemic racism in New York City's education system continues to gain momentum.
