Hunter College Professor Faces Backlash Over Offensive Zoom Comments

Remarks made during a virtual school district meeting are being called racist by parents and students.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A Hunter College professor is under fire for comments caught on a hot mic during a Zoom meeting of a New York City school district community education council. The remarks, which some are calling racist, were made by Allyson Friedman, an associate professor at Hunter College, as the council was discussing the work of Black historian Carter G. Woodson. The college and school district have condemned the comments, and students are calling for action against Friedman.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about racism and discrimination in educational institutions, as well as the need for professors and educators to be mindful of their words and actions, especially in public forums. The backlash from parents, students, and community leaders underscores the seriousness with which such offensive remarks are viewed.

The details

During the February 10th meeting of the New York City School District 3 Community Education Council, Interim Acting Superintendent Reginald Higgins quoted scholar Carter G. Woodson. Allyson Friedman, an associate professor at Hunter College, was then heard making comments that some are calling racist, including saying that Black people are "too dumb to know they're in a bad school" and referencing a quote falsely attributed to Martin Luther King Jr. about Black people using the "back door". Another meeting participant interrupted Friedman to let her know her microphone was unmuted.

  • The incident occurred during a February 10, 2026 meeting of the New York City School District 3 Community Education Council.
  • Friedman issued an apology through a Substack article on February 25, 2026.

The players

Allyson Friedman

An associate professor at Hunter College whose offensive comments made during a Zoom meeting have sparked outrage and calls for action.

Reginald Higgins

The Interim Acting Superintendent of New York City's School District 3 who quoted scholar Carter G. Woodson during the meeting.

Hunter College

The institution where Friedman is employed, which has stated it is reviewing the situation under the university's conduct and non-discrimination policies.

New York City Board of Education

The governing body for New York City public schools, which has stated it does not tolerate discrimination and is providing support in response to the incident.

Ayana Roman

A Hunter College student who said she interpreted Friedman's comments as racist.

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What they’re saying

“They're just, they're too dumb to know they're in a bad school. Apparently, Martin Luther King said it like, if you train a Black person well enough, they'll know to use the back. You don't have to tell them anymore.”

— Allyson Friedman, Associate Professor, Hunter College (Substack article)

“Allyson Friedman, what you are saying is absolutely hearable here. You gotta stop.”

— Unidentified meeting participant (Meeting recording)

“It's unacceptable. She has no business being an educator.”

— Unidentified meeting attendee (Press conference)

“I interpreted what she said as racist.”

— Ayana Roman, Hunter College Student (CBS News New York)

What’s next

Hunter College has stated it is reviewing the situation under the university's applicable conduct and non-discrimination policies, and the New York City Board of Education is providing support to the district in response to the incident.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for educators to be mindful of their words and actions, and the seriousness with which racist remarks are viewed, even when made in a private capacity. It highlights the ongoing work required to address discrimination and create truly inclusive educational environments.