By Staff Reporter

NEW YORK — A professor at Hunter College has been placed on administrative leave following backlash over alleged racist remarks captured on a live microphone, college officials confirmed this week.

The faculty member, identified as Allyson Friedman, was removed from teaching duties pending an internal review after the comments circulated widely on social media. The incident reportedly occurred during a class session in which a microphone remained active after a lecture segment had concluded.

In a statement, Hunter College — part of the City University of New York — said it is “aware of the incident and takes these allegations very seriously.” The school added that it is conducting a review in accordance with university policies and procedures.

“We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful academic environment,” the statement read. “Any behavior that undermines those values will be addressed appropriately.”

Students who viewed the clip described the remarks as offensive and deeply troubling. Some have called for further disciplinary action, while others urged the college to ensure due process during the investigation.

Education policy experts note that cases involving alleged discriminatory speech by faculty can trigger both institutional policy reviews and broader conversations about academic freedom and professional conduct. “Universities must balance free expression principles with anti-discrimination standards and workplace policies,” one higher education analyst said.

It remains unclear how long the review process will take. Officials have not disclosed whether additional disciplinary measures are being considered.

As the investigation proceeds, campus leaders have encouraged students and staff to utilize counseling and reporting resources made available through the college.