Hunter College Reviewing Tenured Professor After Alleged ‘Blatantly Racist’ Comment

NEW YORK — Hunter College confirmed it is “reviewing” a tenured professor following allegations that she made a “blatantly racist” remark during a virtual meeting, sparking outrage among students and faculty.

The professor, identified as Allyson Friedman, reportedly made the comment during an online academic session. A clip of the exchange began circulating on social media shortly afterward, triggering swift backlash and calls for disciplinary action.\

Headshot of a woman with long brown hair, smiling.

College Responds

In a statement, Hunter College said it is aware of the incident and has launched a review consistent with university policy. As part of the City University of New York system, Hunter is bound by procedures that govern faculty conduct — particularly when it involves tenured professors.

The college did not detail the specific comment under review but emphasized its commitment to maintaining an inclusive and respectful learning environment.

Tenure and Accountability

Because Friedman holds tenure, any potential disciplinary action could involve a formal investigation process, faculty review committees and adherence to contractual protections.

Tenure is designed to safeguard academic freedom, protecting professors from dismissal over controversial ideas. However, critics argue that those protections should not shield faculty from consequences when comments cross into discriminatory territory.

Supporters of the professor, meanwhile, caution against rushing to judgment based on short clips that may lack context.

Collage of 15 video conference participants, some of whom are reacting with shock.

Campus Reaction

Students expressed frustration online, with some demanding suspension or termination. Others urged due process, noting that academic discussions can sometimes be misinterpreted without full context.

The incident underscores the ongoing tension between free expression and institutional responsibility — particularly in an era when virtual meetings can be recorded and widely shared within minutes.

Hunter College has not announced a timeline for the review.