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A university professor in New York City found herself in hot water after being caught on a live microphone making what many have criticized as a “blatantly racist” comment about black students. The incident has fueled a growing demand for her dismissal.
The controversy began when Allyson Friedman, an associate professor at Hunter College, inadvertently disrupted a black eighth-grader expressing concerns over her school possibly closing during a Community Education Council meeting held on February 10.
Friedman’s remark, “They’re too dumb to know they’re in a bad school,” was captured on a live microphone, sparking outrage.
She further commented, “If you train a black person well enough, they’ll know to use the back. You don’t have to tell them anymore.”
Friedman, who was participating in the meeting from home as a parent, later explained that her intention was to illustrate systemic racism to her child using an “obviously racist trope.” However, the complete context of her statements was not entirely clear in the recording.
“My complete comments make clear these abhorrent views are not my own, nor were they directed at any student or group,” Friedman told the New York Times.
“I fully support these courageous students in their efforts to stop school closures.”
“However, I recognize these comments caused harm and pain, while that was not my intent I do truly apologize,” she added.
The backlash against her was swift and calls for her to be fired continue to mount.
“@Hunter_College must fire Allyson Friedman immediately,” City Council member Chi Osse said on X.
“@CUNY cannot apply one standard for political speech and another for explicit anti-clack racism. A university that moved swiftly to discipline pro-Palestine activism cannot turn around and excuse racist vitriol directed at black children.”