Hunter College Professor Faces Review After Racist Remarks

Allyson Friedman's comments during virtual school meeting spark outrage and calls for consequences.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A Hunter College professor, Allyson Friedman, is facing review by the school after she was caught making 'blatantly racist' comments during a virtual New York City public schools meeting. Friedman's remarks, which were made while her microphone was unknowingly unmuted, included saying 'They're too dumb to know they're in a bad school' and 'If you train a black person well enough, they'll know to use the back.' The comments were met with shock and outrage from other meeting attendees, as well as local leaders who have called for consequences.

Why it matters

Friedman's comments have sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the treatment of marginalized students in the New York City public school system. As a tenured professor, Friedman's case highlights the challenges of holding faculty accountable for discriminatory behavior, even in the face of significant public backlash.

The details

During a Community Education Council meeting on February 10, Friedman, an associate professor of biology at Hunter College, was caught on a hot mic making the racist remarks while a Black eighth-grade student was raising concerns about her school potentially facing a shutdown. Other meeting attendees quickly called out Friedman for her comments, which seemed to reference a quote from historian Carter G. Woodson about the 'mis-education of the Negro.' Hunter College has confirmed it is 'reviewing' Friedman's conduct, but her tenured status may make it difficult to dismiss her outright.

  • The incident occurred during a Community Education Council meeting on February 10, 2026.
  • Hunter College announced it was 'reviewing' Friedman's conduct on February 23, 2026.

The players

Allyson Friedman

An associate professor of biology at Hunter College who made the 'blatantly racist' comments during a virtual school meeting.

Reginald Higgins

The school district's interim acting superintendent, who spoke about scholar Carter G. Woodson earlier in the meeting.

Hunter College

The CUNY school where Friedman is a tenured professor, and which is reviewing her conduct under its policies.

Rita Joseph

A New York City councilwoman who chairs the education committee and expressed deep disturbance over Friedman's remarks.

Brad Hoylman Sigal

The Manhattan Borough President who called Friedman's comments 'outrageous' and 'despicable.'

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What they’re saying

“If you train a black person well enough, they'll know to use the back.”

— Allyson Friedman, Associate Professor, Hunter College (nypost.com)

“Allyson Friedman, what you're saying is absolutely hearable here. You've got to stop.”

— Unidentified meeting attendee (nypost.com)

“I am deeply disturbed by the blatantly racist and harmful remarks made during the CEC3 [Community Education Council for School District 3] meeting...”

— Rita Joseph, New York City Councilwoman, Chair of Education Committee (nypost.com)

“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 (nypost.com)

What’s next

Hunter College has confirmed it is 'reviewing' Friedman's conduct under the university's applicable policies. The outcome of this review will determine whether Friedman faces any consequences for her remarks.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing discriminatory behavior by faculty, especially those with tenure protections. It underscores the need for rigorous accountability measures and a zero-tolerance approach to racism in educational institutions, to ensure all students feel safe, respected, and supported.