Hunter College Professor Faces Backlash Over Racist Zoom Remarks

Allyson Friedman's comments about Black students during a school meeting have sparked outrage and calls for accountability.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A Hunter College associate professor, Allyson Friedman, is facing intense criticism after she was caught making racist remarks about Black students during a Zoom meeting of the Community Education Council. Friedman's comments, which were overheard while a Black student was speaking, suggested that Black students are "too dumb to know they're in a bad school" and that they should be "trained" to "use the back." The remarks have been widely condemned as unacceptable and have reignited discussions about systemic racism in the education system.

Why it matters

Friedman's comments reflect the persistent issue of racial bias and discrimination in educational institutions, which can have a profoundly negative impact on the experiences and outcomes of students of color. This incident highlights the need for greater accountability and a deeper reckoning with the ways in which racism continues to permeate the education system.

The details

During the February 10th meeting, which was held to discuss a proposal to close certain schools, a Black student was present to speak out in favor of her school and teachers. Friedman, who was participating in the meeting as a parent, not as a professor, had her camera off but her microphone was on. In recordings of the meeting, Friedman can be heard making the racist remarks, seemingly in response to comments made earlier by superintendent Reginald Higgins, who was quoting scholar Carter G. Woodson. Another meeting participant immediately intervened, telling Friedman that her comments were "absolutely hearable" and that she needed to stop.

  • The Community Education Council meeting took place on February 10, 2026.
  • Friedman's racist remarks were made during this meeting.

The players

Allyson Friedman

An associate professor at Hunter College who made the racist remarks during the Zoom meeting.

Reginald Higgins

The superintendent who was quoted during the meeting, which prompted Friedman's comments.

Rita Joseph

A city council leader who stated that Friedman's comments are further proof of "systemic racism" in the education system.

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What they’re saying

“We cannot talk about school closures, equity or educational opportunity without confronting the culture and systems that devalue Black students and communities.”

— Rita Joseph, City Council Leader (New York Times)

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

— Allyson Friedman (New York Times)

What’s next

The college has stated that it expects its community members to uphold its values of inclusivity, and it is unclear what, if any, disciplinary actions will be taken against Friedman. The incident has reignited broader discussions about addressing systemic racism in the education system.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent racial biases and discrimination that continue to plague the education system, and the urgent need for meaningful reforms and accountability to create truly inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students.