Hunter College Professor Placed on Leave After 'Abhorrent' Remarks About Black Students

Allyson Friedman claimed she was 'trying to explain the concept of systemic racism' but her comments caused 'harm and pain'.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Hunter College professor has been placed on leave after making controversial remarks about Black students during a recent public meeting. The professor, Allyson Friedman, claimed she was trying to explain systemic racism but her comments were widely criticized as 'abhorrent' and 'hateful'. The school's president has launched an investigation into whether Friedman's conduct violated school policies.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about racism and discrimination in educational institutions, especially during discussions about addressing systemic inequities. It also raises questions about how professors should approach sensitive topics like racism in the classroom.

The details

During a virtual meeting of the New York City School District 3 Community Education Council, where Black History Month was being celebrated, Friedman was caught on a hot mic making disparaging remarks about Black students. She said 'They're too dumb to know they're in a bad school' and referenced a quote falsely attributed to Martin Luther King Jr. about Black people using the 'back door'. Friedman later claimed she was trying to explain systemic racism but acknowledged her comments caused 'harm and pain'.

  • The incident occurred during a recent virtual meeting of the New York City School District 3 Community Education Council.
  • On February 25, 2026, Hunter College president Nancy Cantor addressed the school's response to the incident.

The players

Allyson Friedman

A tenured professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Hunter College who made the controversial remarks about Black students.

Nancy Cantor

The president of Hunter College who addressed the school's response to the incident.

Reginald Higgins

The leader of the New York City School District 3 Community Education Council who quoted Carter G. Woodson during the meeting.

Zohran Mamdani

The New York City Mayor whose administration's plan to close or move several schools on Manhattan's Upper West Side was discussed during the meeting.

Brad Hoylman-Sigal

The Manhattan Borough President who criticized Friedman's remarks as 'despicable' and 'vile'.

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What they’re saying

“My complete comments make clear these abhorrent views are not my own, nor were they directed at any student or group. However, I recognize these comments caused harm and pain, while that was not my intent I do truly apologize.”

— Allyson Friedman (The New York Times)

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

— Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan Borough President (Statement)

“It is deeply disheartening that during Black History Month, a time meant to honor the resilience and contributions of Black communities, we are still confronting language that mirrors the oppression our ancestors fought against. Progress requires accountability.”

— Hunter College Black Student Union and four other student groups (Joint statement)

What’s next

Hunter College is conducting an investigation into whether Friedman's conduct violated school policies on conduct and nondiscrimination. The school's president has said Friedman will remain on leave while the investigation is completed.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing systemic racism in educational institutions, even during discussions meant to celebrate Black history and progress. It highlights the need for greater accountability and for creating learning environments where the humanity of all students is respected.