Controversial Remarks by Hunter College Professor Under Review

A professor from Hunter College has ignited significant backlash after making what many are calling “blatantly racist” comments during a virtual conference for a New York City public school. Currently, the college is reviewing the incident, yet the professor’s tenure may complicate any actions taken against her.

Alison Friedman, an Associate Professor of Biology, was attending a Regional Education Council meeting at City College on February 10 when a black eighth-grader voiced concerns about the potential closure of their school. Amid the discussion, Friedman was caught making dismissive remarks on a hot mic.

“They’re too stupid to understand that they’re going to a bad school,” she stated, according to an online recording of the meeting. She also remarked, “If you train black people enough, they’ll know how to use their backs,” which many found offensive.

The troubling comments seem to have been a response to remarks made by the district’s acting interim superintendent regarding scholar Carter G. Woodson, often referenced as the father of black history.

In his 1933 work, The Miseducation of the Negro, Woodson noted, “If you make people think they are legitimate outcasts, you don’t need to order them to go to the back door. They will go without being told.”

Other adults at the meeting quickly confronted Friedman, who was attending as a parent. One attendee exclaimed, “Alison Friedman, we can absolutely hear what you’re saying here. It has to stop,” while others appeared visibly shocked.

After the clip circulated on the internet, criticism of Friedman’s remarks emerged rapidly. City Councilwoman Rita Joseph expressed, “We are deeply disturbed by the blatantly racist and hurtful comments made during CEC3.”

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman Sigal condemned her words as “outrageous,” emphasizing that it’s especially disturbing for such language to surface while children were sharing their experiences.

Hunter College acknowledged awareness of the situation, stating they are reviewing the incident per their conduct and anti-discrimination policies. They reaffirmed their commitment to an inclusive environment free from discrimination, although it’s uncertain how Friedman’s tenured status might impact the outcome of this review.

Local leaders expressed frustration at the lack of immediate consequences for Friedman. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. pointedly asked, “Hasn’t she been fired yet??”

City Councilmember Inna Vernikov stated her intention to observe how the City University of New York addresses the situation and emphasized that the professor’s actions should not go unanswered. Meanwhile, Moshe Spern, president of the United Jewish Teachers Association, lamented the impact on the students who witnessed the incident, calling for her suspension pending investigation.

In response to the backlash, Friedman offered an apology, explaining that her comments were unintended and aimed at citing historical examples tied to systemic racism. She claimed they were not meant to target the student speaker and stressed that her words do not reflect her personal beliefs.

“Regardless of the context, my words were wrong and caused real harm. I take full responsibility for their impact and deeply apologize to the students, families, educators, and community members who were hurt,” she stated.