College Professor Caught On Hot Mic Making Disgusting Racist Comments Faces Career Consequences

A Hunter College professor has faced the consequences of making racist comments about students during a virtual meeting.

Allyson Friedman, an associate biology professor at the institution, was condemned online for her reaction to a Black student’s concerns about the potential shutdown of her school.

The incident happened during a public Community Education Council meeting on February 10. Friedman was attending the video meeting as a parent of a public school student.

“This is absolutely abhorrent,” one user said.

Hunter College responds to allegations of racism against employee Allyson Friedman

Image credits: Hunter College

In a statement shared on February 25, Hunter College President Nancy Cantor said that the matter was being investigated under the university’s applicable conduct and nondiscrimination policies. Meanwhile, Friedman has been placed on leave.

“Pending the outcome of our investigation, the employee has been placed on leave,” the statement read. It did not mention whether the leave was paid.

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“They’re too dumb to know they’re in a bad school,” Friedman was heard saying during the meeting. She later stated that she was unaware that her microphone was unmuted, as Bored Panda previously reported.

“If you train a Black person well enough, they’ll know to use the back,” she added. “You don’t have to tell them anymore.”

In the video recording of the meeting that circulated on social media after the incident, several attendees were visibly shocked, with some even covering their mouths in surprise.

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“Imagine the audacity to say something like that ON A ZOOM CALL,” one person wrote online about the incident. Another commented: “Unacceptable. Absolutely unacceptable, disgraceful, and disgusting.”

“How is this person not fired yet?” a third said, joining many other voices who also wanted Friedman released from employment.

Allyson Friedman said the “abhorrent views” were not her own

Image credits: The New York Academy of Sciences

The Community Education Council Meeting was debating Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s plan to close or relocate Upper West Side public schools. At one point, a Black student shared her concern about the fate of her school, only for Friedman to cut in with her comments.

She appeared to be referencing a comment made earlier in the meeting by the interim acting superintendent of New York City Community School District 3, Reginald Higgins.

What a horrifically racist comment from someone who appears to be from The Center School where Cynthia Nixon sent her child and who has vehemently been pushing back on a school merger because of “equity”. Here’s the video clip of the incident: https://t.co/KZadDoeR28pic.twitter.com/Yrqx7vpSiG

— Jean (@queens_parents) February 20, 2026

Higgins had mentioned Carter G. Woodson, the scholar known as the “Father of Black History,” who said in his 1933 book, The Mis-Education of the N*gro: “If you make a man think that he is justly an outcast, you do not have to order him to the back door. He will go without being told.”

Friedman seemed to echo Woodson’s quote in her statement, which was meant for her child, not the meeting.

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In a comment made to the New York Times, she said she was “trying to explain the concept of systemic racism” to her kid, who was in the room with her, “by referencing an example of an obviously racist trope.” Only a part of her conversation was audible because her microphone was not muted for only a brief period, she added.

“My complete comments make clear these abhorrent views are not my own, nor were they directed at any student or group,” Friedman said. “I fully support these courageous students in their efforts to stop school closures.”

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“However, I recognize these comments caused harm and pain, while that was not my intent I do truly apologize,” she continued.

She also released a public apology, saying: “Regardless of what I was reacting to, that language disrespected students and families and distracted from testimony that deserved full attention. I take full responsibility for the impact, and I am deeply sorry.”

New York City officials strongly criticized Allyson Friedman’s comment

Image credits: Hunter College

Several officials and governing bodies responded to Friedman’s comments with statements that strictly condemned her stance.

“NYC Public Schools does not tolerate discrimination,” the New York City Board of Education said in a statement.

Kamar Samuels, the Chancellor of New York City Public Schools, added: “The comments made were abhorrent and have no place in our school communities.”

Image credits: CBS New York

Eric Dinowitz, Chair of the New York City Council’s Education Committee and a former teacher, urged the Educational Department to “address broader issues of racism,” calling the comments “horrendous.”

Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the Manhattan Borough President, criticized Friedman’s remarks as “anti-Black” and “particularly despicable.”

“Foolish talk has consequences.” Netizens voiced their opinions on Allyson Friedman being put on leave

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