Professor’s Raciest Remarks Ignite Outrage

A professor from a New York City university has drawn significant backlash after being recorded making insulting comments about black students. This incident has led education officials to label her remarks as “blatant racism.”

Alison Friedman, an associate professor at Hunter College, sparked controversy during a February 10 meeting of the Regional Education Council. She spoke dismissively about a black eighth grader who expressed concerns over potential school closures.

“They’re too stupid to realize they’re going to a bad school,” Friedman was heard saying during a live broadcast, as reported.

She further elaborated, reportedly referencing the district’s acting interim superintendent, Reginald Higgins, and making a statement on black individuals: “If you train black people enough, they’ll know how to use their backs. You don’t have to tell them anymore.”

This remark seemed to echo sentiments from Carter G. Woodson, known as the father of black history, found in his 1933 book, The Miseducation of the Negro. He posited that if people believe they’re being treated as outcasts, they’ll act accordingly without needing instruction.

A spokesperson for Hunter College condemned Friedman’s remarks as “abhorrent.” Many students who were on the Zoom call expressed shock at her statements.

“We are deeply disturbed by the blatantly racist and hurtful comments made during the CEC3 meeting,” stated Rita Joseph, the chair of the City Council Education Committee.

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman Sigal described her remarks as “outrageous,” emphasizing the unacceptability of such language, especially during a time when children were sharing their concerns.

The Times also noted that Friedman later attempted to clarify her statements, expressing that her comments did not reflect her personal views or target any students or groups.

She added, “I fully support the efforts of our brave students to prevent school closures. However, I recognize that these comments caused harm and distress, which was never my intention, and I sincerely apologize.”

Currently, black students represent about 20% of the entire student population in New York City schools.

Recently, discussions have been ongoing regarding a plan to close schools in Manhattan’s Third Ward.

Hunter College has an enrollment of over 17,000 undergraduates and more than 5,500 graduate students. Notably, about 11.5% of the undergraduate population is identified as black or African American.