Prof Ahmed appointed Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom

  • 01 June 2023

Congratulations to Gonville & Caius College Fellow Professor Arif Ahmed, who was today appointed Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom at the Office for Students, the Department for Education announced.

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Professor Arif Ahmed has been appointed as the new Director overseeing free speech at the Office for Students. The appointment of Professor Ahmed as the new Director follows the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill becoming law on 11 May.

The legislation will establish a new free speech complaints system, while also strengthening the legal duties on higher education providers in England to protect and promote freedom of speech for students, staff and visiting speakers.

Professor Ahmed said: "Free speech and academic freedom are vital to the core purpose of universities and colleges. They are not partisan values. They are also fundamental to our civilization.

"As Director, I will defend them using all means available. I feel tremendously honoured and fortunate to have been appointed."

The full announcement is on the Department for Education website.

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