Hunter College Professor Placed on Leave After 'Abhorrent' Zoom Remarks

Allyson Friedman made controversial comments during a public school district meeting.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Hunter College associate professor has been placed on leave after making what the university called "abhorrent remarks" during a New York City public school district meeting. Allyson Friedman made the comments while virtually attending a NYC District 3 Community Education Council meeting as a parent, where she appeared to reference racist tropes while discussing systemic racism in education.

Why it matters

The incident has sparked outrage, with the school district condemning Friedman's remarks as "racially offensive" and the NYC Schools Chancellor calling them "abhorrent." It highlights ongoing tensions around discussions of racism and equity in education, especially when made by those in positions of authority.

The details

During the meeting, as an eighth-grade student spoke against the potential closing of her school, Friedman can be heard saying, "They're just 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." Friedman later apologized, saying her comments were taken out of context and did not reflect her actual views.

  • The incident occurred during a NYC District 3 Community Education Council meeting earlier this month.
  • On February 27, 2026, Hunter College placed Friedman on leave while investigating the matter.

The players

Allyson Friedman

An associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Hunter College who made the controversial remarks during the public school district meeting.

Hunter College

The City University of New York institution that has placed Friedman on leave pending an investigation into her comments.

NYC District 3 Community Education Council (CEC3)

The public school district where the meeting took place, which condemned Friedman's remarks as "racially offensive."

Reginald Higgins

The District 3 interim acting superintendent who had quoted the Black scholar Carter G. Woodson earlier in the meeting, which Friedman appeared to be referencing.

Kamar Samuels

The New York City Public Schools Chancellor who condemned Friedman's remarks as "abhorrent."

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What they’re saying

“During a recent online CEC3 meeting, I was trying to explain the concept of systemic racism to my child by referencing an example of an obviously racist trope. Due to an inadvertent unmute, only part of that conversation was captured. 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, Associate Professor, Hunter College (ABC News)

What’s next

Hunter College is reviewing the situation under the university's applicable conduct and nondiscrimination policies, and will decide whether to take further action regarding Friedman's employment.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing systemic racism, especially when made by those in positions of authority. It underscores the need for greater sensitivity, accountability, and commitment to equity in educational institutions.