Hunter College Professor's Racist Remarks Spark Outrage and Investigation

Allyson Friedman, a professor at Hunter College, has come under scrutiny following her racist remarks during a virtual meeting of New York City's School District 3 Community Education Council on February 10. The comments, which were made while an eighth-grade student from the Community Action School was speaking about her concerns regarding potential school closures, were captured on video and subsequently went viral on social media. The meeting took place at the Joan of Arc school building, with many participants joining via Zoom.

Newsweek

During the meeting, Friedman was heard saying, "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." These remarks elicited immediate shock and disgust from other participants, prompting a meeting organizer to intervene and request that the speaker cease her comments. Following the incident, Friedman stated that her remarks were part of an attempt to explain systemic racism through a historical example and that an inadvertent unmute caused her comments to be heard.

Newsweek

In response to the incident, Hunter College confirmed that it is reviewing the situation under its conduct and nondiscrimination policies. Peter Englot, Senior Vice President of Communications and External Affairs at Hunter College, stated, "Even as these remarks were made in the individual’s role as a private citizen... we expect our community members’ actions and words to comport with our institutional identity, values, and policies." He emphasized the college's commitment to maintaining an inclusive educational environment free from discrimination.

Newsweek

Friedman issued a statement expressing her regret, acknowledging that her words were harmful and inconsistent with her values. She stated, "I take full responsibility for their impact, and I am deeply sorry to the students, families, educators, and community members who were hurt." She also mentioned that she had sent written apologies to Superintendent Reginald Higgins, the Community Action School, and the Community Education Council.

Newsweek

The incident has sparked significant backlash, with many community members and educators expressing outrage over the remarks. Critics argue that such comments undermine the ongoing discussions about educational equity and systemic racism, particularly in the context of school closures affecting marginalized communities. The incident has raised questions about the responsibilities of educators and the impact of their words on students and families.

Newsweek

As the investigation by Hunter College and the Department of Education unfolds, the community is awaiting further actions and responses regarding the implications of this incident on educational policies and practices within the district. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding discussions of race and equity in education.

Newsweek