Hunter College Professor Placed on Leave After Controversial Zoom Remarks

Allyson Friedman made 'abhorrent' comments during a public school district meeting

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Hunter College associate professor, Allyson Friedman, has been placed on leave after making controversial remarks during a New York City District 3 Community Education Council (CEC3) meeting. Friedman's comments, which she claimed were taken out of context, were condemned as 'racially offensive' by the CEC3 and 'abhorrent' by New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about racism and discrimination in educational institutions, especially as they relate to discussions of systemic racism and the role of schools in addressing these issues. Hunter College has emphasized its commitment to being 'attentive and responsive' to these challenges.

The details

During the CEC3 meeting, Friedman made remarks while an eighth-grade student was speaking against the potential closing of her school. Friedman said, '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 claimed she was trying to explain the concept of systemic racism to her child, but her comments were seen as deeply harmful and unacceptable.

  • The incident occurred during a CEC3 meeting earlier this month.
  • On February 26, 2026, Hunter College announced that Friedman has been placed on leave while the school investigates the incident.

The players

Allyson Friedman

An associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Hunter College who made the controversial remarks during the CEC3 meeting.

Reginald Higgins

The District 3 interim acting superintendent who had quoted the Black scholar Carter G. Woodson earlier in the meeting.

Nancy Cantor

The president of Hunter College who announced Friedman's placement on leave while the school investigates the incident.

Kamar Samuels

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

CEC3

The New York City District 3 Community Education Council that condemned Friedman's remarks as 'racially offensive'.

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What they’re saying

“These comments were deeply harmful and wholly unacceptable. That such remarks were made while a student was courageously offering public comment makes this incident even more troubling.”

— CEC3 (Draft statement)

“It was abhorrent to listen to. And our students deserve so much better.”

— Kamar Samuels, New York City Public Schools Chancellor (Unrelated press briefing)

“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 (Statement to ABC News)

What’s next

Hunter College is reviewing the situation under the university's applicable conduct and nondiscrimination policies, and the judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Friedman out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing systemic racism in educational institutions, and the need for constant vigilance and responsiveness to ensure inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students.