The Envoy

By Victory Ogunnaya and Alex Augenbraun

*This story is active with more updates to come

Hunter Biology Professor Allyson Friedman was placed on leave pending an investigation over racist comments she made at an Education Council Board Meeting on Feb 10. 2026. 

In the video, Friedman was caught unmuted saying “They’re too dumb to know they’re in a bad school. It’s like, if you train a Black person well enough, they’ll know to use the back — you don’t have to tell them anymore.” 

Hunter President Nancy Cantor announced Friedman had been placed on leave this Wednesday. 

The meeting was about a possible relocation of several schools in the upper west side area. The comments were made after a testimonial by a student speaking to the board via Zoom.

Hunter made a statement about Friedman’s comments as well as sending out an email to the student body that reflected this statement.

“We expect our community members’ actions and words to comport with our institutional identity, values and policies,” the university said.

Friedman posted an apology on X that has since been deleted but was recovered by I love the Upper West Side, an online publication. “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 to the students, families, educators, and community members who were hurt. ” 

Hunter’s Black Student Union, as well as other African-American/African/Caribbean Student Organizations made a combined statement posted on Instagram on Feb. 24. 

“For the Black youth on this call, these words echo the same mindset that has looked down upon them and their families for centuries. We must be intentional and swift in rejecting and removing these harmful ideas from our communities. Black students should never have to question whether their educators hold beliefs shaped by racist, segregationist ideology. “

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression Legal Defense commented on this case. They released a statement about Friedman’s remarks, stating: “Dr. Friedman said her comments were taken out of context and were intended to paraphrase a famous criticism of systemic racism in education from black historian Carter G. Woodson. Regardless, the fundamental First Amendment rights of public college professors are not subject to the whims of their critics.”

This situation is still unfolding.