An associate professor at Hunter College in NYC is facing intense backlash following a Zoom call that has now gone viral on social media.
According to the NY Post, Allyson Friedman was caught on a hot mic during a virtual meeting, where she reportedly made racist remarks. The microphone was said to have been left on, allowing students and other participants on the call to hear the comments.
“They’re too dumb to know they’re in a bad school,” Friedman was heard saying while her mic was unknowingly unmuted. “If you train a black person well enough, they’ll know to use the back,” she said. “You don’t have to tell them anymore.”
The video circulating online shows a grid-style Zoom meeting with multiple attendees present. Viewers claim the remarks left students and education officials deeply disturbed. The clip quickly spread across platforms, drawing thousands of reactions, comments, and shares within hours.
Allyson Friedman said in a statement that she was trying to “explain the concept of systemic racism” to her child, who was in the room with her.
The situation has sparked broader discussions about accountability in academic spaces, professional conduct during virtual meetings, and the lasting impact of viral moments in the digital era.
As conversations continue online and on campus, many are awaiting further clarification from college officials.
