Hunter College Places Professor on Leave Amid Controversy

Hunter College has put a professor on administrative leave following backlash over “abhorrent” remarks about Black students made during a virtual conference. This decision comes shortly after Allison Friedman, an associate professor of biology, inadvertently interrupted a Black eighth-grade student during a Community Education Council meeting. The student had been expressing concerns about potential public school closures in the Upper West Side.

In a statement, Hunter College President Nancy Canter addressed the issue, confirming that the college is investigating the situation under its conduct and anti-discrimination policies. “The employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation,” she noted.

The City University had previously indicated that Friedman’s conduct was under review after her comments gained traction online, provoking widespread outrage. During the meeting, she was heard saying, “They’re too stupid to understand that they’re going to a bad school,” which was overheard due to her microphone being inadvertently unmuted. At the time, she was present as a parent of a public school student, as per the recorded meeting shared online.

Additionally, she reportedly stated, “If you train Black people enough, they’ll know how to use their backs. You don’t have to tell them anymore.” It seems these comments were in reference to remarks made earlier in the meeting by the district’s acting interim superintendent regarding Carter G. Woodson, who is known as the father of Black history.

In his book “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.”

Two participants in the virtual meeting quickly condemned Friedman’s statements, while others looked on in shock. There was a tense silence for about ten seconds before the moderator intervened, encouraging the students to continue.

Friedman later defended her remarks, claiming that she was trying to explain systemic racism to her children “using clearly racist metaphors.” She insisted that due to microphone issues, part of her statement was lost.

“My complete comments make clear that these abhorrent views are not my own,” she told a publication, clarifying that her remarks weren’t aimed at any student or group.

Local officials reacted swiftly, denouncing Friedman’s actions and calling on Hunter College to take decisive steps. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman Sigal labeled her statements “outrageous,” stressing the seriousness of her comments, particularly during a time when children were testifying at the rally. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. also expressed dismay, questioning why she hadn’t yet been dismissed.

Furthermore, Moshe Spern, president of the National Jewish Teachers Association, described the situation as “abhorrent and racist,” voicing concern for the children who witnessed the exchange. He urged that Friedman should not be allowed to continue in her position until a thorough investigation has taken place.

In its announcement about Friedman’s leave, Hunter College noted the availability of counseling services for those affected by this incident. Canter emphasized the context of the conference, which was intended to celebrate Black History Month and discuss the lasting impacts of systemic racism in education.

“This distressing incident occurred at a conference where harmful aspects of systemic racism were being examined,” Canter remarked. She added that Hunter has a long-standing commitment to combating discrimination, but it requires ongoing attention to how societal boundaries are drawn and redrawn.