A college professor in New York City has come under fire after she was caught on a virtual call making remarks that viewers described as “outrageous” and “anti-Black”.
Video from the Zoom meeting shows students and staff reacting in disbelief, with several covering their mouths. A man then interrupts to warn the speaker that her words can be heard and that she needs to stop.
The incident happened on February 10, when Hunter College associate professor Allyson Friedman joined a Community Education Meeting as a parent. The group was discussing a contentious proposal from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to close or move a number of neighborhood schools.
During the discussion, a Black student spoke emotionally about how upsetting the potential closures would be for the community.
Friedman was then allegedly overheard speaking to her daughter, who was reportedly in the room with her as the call continued.
Friedman allegedly said: “They’re too dumb to know they’re in a bad school. If you train a Black person well enough, they’ll know to use the back. You don’t have to tell them anymore.”
The New York Times reports that Friedman’s remark appeared to reference comments made earlier in the meeting by the district’s acting superintendent, Reginald Higgins, who mentioned Carter G. Woodson.
Woodson was an American historian and author, and he founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
He famously said: “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.”
Even if Friedman was attempting to invoke that historical context, the remarks were still condemned. The Center School PTA Executive Board described them as “racist and deeply hurtful” in a letter to the Community Action School.
Audio from the meeting captures someone addressing the professor directly: “Allyson Friedman, what you’re saying is absolutely hearable here. You’ve got to stop.”
After the interruption, the call reportedly fell into a stunned silence.
Hunter College also responded. In a statement to Westside Rag, a spokesperson called the comment “abhorrent” and said: “In service to Hunter College, we expect our community members’ actions and words to comport with our institutional identity, values, and policies.
“We are reviewing the situation under the university’s applicable conduct and nondiscrimination policies.
“We stand firm in our enduring commitment to sustain an inclusive educational environment that is free of discrimination of any kind, in which people of all identities will feel welcome and can thrive.”
Friedman also issued a statement to Westside Rag, saying that the meeting included “a discussion about systematic racism and educational equity” and referenced Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Carter G. Woodson, and school closures.
She said that, “separately during the meeting,” she had been trying to “explain the concept of systemic racism by referencing a historical example,” and claimed she did not realize her microphone was not muted.
She continued: “My remarks were not directed at the student speaker and they do not reflect my beliefs or values. Regardless of context, my words were wrong and caused real harm.
“I take full responsibility for their impact, and I am deeply sorry to the students, families, educators, and community members who were hurt.”
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman Sigal also weighed in on social media, describing Friedman’s “anti-Black comments” as “outrageous,” according to the Daily Mail.
“It is particularly despicable that these vile words were uttered while children were giving testimony at the meeting, exposing them to this hatred,” Sigal added.
City Council Education Chair Rita Joseph likewise criticized the remarks, calling them “blatantly racist and harmful”.
Friedman said she sent written apologies to the superintendent, the school, and the education council. She added that she regrets causing “any pain or distraction” at a time when community concerns about the DOE school-closure process “deserved full attention”.
She resolved: “I am committed to accountability and repairing harm.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised and would like confidential support, you can contact the Racial Equity Support Line on 503-575-3764, available weekdays from 10am to 7pm PT, or reach the Lines for Life Equity Team at [email protected].