Hunter College to Review Professor’s ‘Abhorrent’ Remarks at Meeting

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by Troy Closson

February 22, 2026

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Hunter College has announced it will review whether a professor’s remarks at a public meeting violated its policies after she made offensive comments about students during a contentious school closure debate. The incident occurred at a Feb. 10 Community Education Council meeting in Manhattan’s West Side, where attendees discussed Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to close or relocate several schools. A Black student praised her teachers and expressed concern over the potential shutdown of her school, prompting Allyson Friedman, an associate professor at Hunter College attending as a public school parent, to interject with controversial remarks. Friedman, speaking virtually and unaware her microphone was on, said, “They’re too dumb to know they’re in a bad school,” referring to the student. She later added, “If you train a Black person well enough, they’ll know to use the back,” referencing a comment made earlier by interim acting superintendent Reginald Higgins about Carter G. Woodson’s philosophy on racial conditioning. Her remarks were widely condemned as racist and insensitive, sparking outrage among attendees and drawing criticism from the public. The college emphasized its commitment to “institutional identity, values, and policies,” which include fostering respect and inclusivity. Friedman has since attempted to clarify her comments, stating she was discussing systemic issues rather than individuals. The incident highlights tensions around free speech versus institutional accountability, particularly in academic settings where such debates are often contentious. It also underscores broader societal concerns about race, education, and the impact of leadership statements on vulnerable communities. Hunter College’s review process aims to determine whether Friedman’s remarks violated its policies, reflecting the institution’s dedication to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment. The case has sparked wider conversations about the role of educators in modeling accountability and promoting equity, even in heated public debates.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026