A Manhattan college professor is now under investigation, facing backlash for “abhorrent remarks” she made earlier this month during a virtual public school meeting.
The incident happened on Feb. 10, during a New York Public Schools District 3 Community Education Council business meeting held over Zoom. District 3 covers the Upper West Side.
A young student was speaking during the meeting when Hunter College associate professor Allyson Friedman can apparently be heard talking loudly over the child. It appears Friedman did not know her microphone was on, due to the fact that a man had to interrupt her to stop.
“They’re too dumb to know they’re in a bad school. Apparently, Martin Luther King said it, like, if you train a Black person well enough, they’ll know to use the back. You don’t have to tell them anymore,” Friedman can be heard saying.
The associate professor did not return a request for comment, but did share the following statement with The West Side Rag:
“I was trying to explain the concept of system racism by referencing a historical example. Due to an in advertent unmute, part of that conversation was captured. My remarks were not directed at the student speaker and they do not reflect my beliefs or values. Regardless of context, my words were wrong and caused real harm. I take full responsibility for their impact, and I am deeply sorry.”
The clip from the Zoom meeting was published to social media and quickly received condemnation from people, including top NYC officials.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the comments abhorrent when asked by reporters about the hot mic exchange.
“I think it is indicative of the exact kind of language that makes students feel as if they don’t belong within our public school system. We are looking to build a public school system that is home for each and every person that calls the city home,” Mamdani said.
NYC Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels similarly condemned the words. He echoed the mayor’s sentiment and said the district would be “really leaning in and working with the school communities to make sure that we repair any harm.”
A spokesperson for Hunter College said Friedman attended the virtual meeting as a private citizen and as a parent, but confirmed the professor’s comments were being investigated.
“Hunter College is reviewing the situation under the university’s applicable conduct and nondiscrimination policies,” a college spokesperson confirmed to News 4.
