Hunter College Professor Placed on Leave After Controversial Zoom Remarks

Allyson Friedman's comments during a public school meeting sparked backlash and an investigation by the university.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Hunter College associate professor has been placed on leave after making controversial remarks during a New York City public school district meeting that was held virtually. Allyson Friedman's comments, which were described as "abhorrent" by the university, were made while a student was speaking against the potential closing of her school. Friedman has apologized, saying her remarks were taken out of context, but Hunter College is now reviewing the incident under its conduct and nondiscrimination policies.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges around discussions of systemic racism, particularly within educational institutions. Friedman's comments, made during a meeting where Black History Month was being celebrated, have been widely condemned as racially offensive and harmful to students.

The details

During the NYC District 3 Community Education Council (CEC3) meeting, 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." These remarks appeared to be referencing earlier comments made by the district's interim acting superintendent, Reginald Higgins, who had quoted the Black scholar Carter G. Woodson. Friedman has apologized, saying her comments were taken out of context and did not reflect her own views.

  • The incident occurred during a CEC3 meeting earlier this month.
  • On February 27, 2026, Hunter College announced that Friedman has been placed on leave while the university investigates the matter.

The players

Allyson Friedman

An associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Hunter College.

Reginald Higgins

The interim acting superintendent of NYC District 3.

Hunter College

A public college in New York City that is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system.

NYC District 3 Community Education Council (CEC3)

The community education council for New York City's District 3, which includes parts of Manhattan.

Nancy Cantor

The president of Hunter College.

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What they’re saying

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

— Kamar Samuels, New York City Public Schools Chancellor (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 to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges around discussions of systemic racism within educational institutions, and the need for constant vigilance to remain attentive and responsive to the ways in which discriminatory social lines are drawn and redrawn.