HUNTER COLLEGE PROFESSOR PLACED ON LEAVE FOR RACIST HOT-MIC COMMENTS

HUNTER COLLEGE PROFESSOR PLACED ON LEAVE FOR RACIST HOT-MIC COMMENTS Associate professor’s remarks in virtual meeting spark outrage, official investigations
New York, USA An associate professor at Hunter College has been placed on administrative leave after coming under fire for racist comments caught on a “hot mic” during a public education meeting, igniting backlash from city leaders, parents and community advocates. The comments occurred on 10 February 2026 during a Virtual Community Education Council (District 3) meeting over Zoom in Manhattan, which was addressing public school concerns, including potential closures.
Allyson Friedman, an associate biology professor at Hunter College attending as a parent, was heard on the meeting audio after her microphone was accidentally left unmuted.
In the recording that later circulated widely online, Friedman is heard saying: She then referenced a phrase attributed to a civil rights context, stating, “if you train a Black person well enough, they’ll know to use the back… you don’t have to tell them anymore.” The remarks were widely condemned as racist, prompting stunned reactions from other meeting participants and rapid online spread of the audio.
Friedman is an associate professor of biology at Hunter College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY).
She was participating in the school district meeting as the parent of a student, not in her professional capacity, when the remarks were made. Hunter College President Nancy Cantor described the comments as “abhorrent” and confirmed the professor has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation under university conduct and nondiscrimination policies.
Friedman issued a statement claiming the remarks were part of an attempt to explain systemic racism to her child, and that her full comment was not fully audible on the Zoom recording. She also apologised, saying her words “caused harm and pain.”
Elected officials, education leaders and parents swiftly condemned the remarks. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman Sigal called the comments “outrageous and despicable,” especially given the presence of children.
Several city council members and local leaders urged aggressive action, with some calling for Friedman’s termination from her teaching role. Black parent advocates said the incident underscores ongoing concerns about anti-Black racism in educational spaces and have called for accountability and systemic changes. The controversy highlights the sensitivity around racial discourse in public schools and rising demands for educators to be held accountable for biased or demeaning language. Community leaders also pushed for more robust Black studies programming and cultural competency training in schools following the incident. Associate biology professor Allyson Friedman of Hunter College has been placed on leave as her “hot mic” racist remarks during a virtual school council meeting continue to draw widespread condemnation, official scrutiny and demands for accountability, highlighting deep concerns over racism and professional conduct in educational environments.