Our statement on the appointment of Professor Arif Ahmed MBE as Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom at the OfS

We welcome Professor Arif Ahmed to the important role of Director of Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom at the OfS. Universities take their responsibility to protect and promote both free speech and academic freedom seriously, and work hard to ensure that these concepts are understood by the whole university community.

Throughout the passage of the Freedom of Speech Act, UUK has engaged constructively with government and officials and we look forward to continuing to demonstrate our members’ full and firm commitment to free speech and academic freedom, while continuing to oppose all forms of harassment and discrimination.

Getting this balance right is not always straightforward or easy, but by working collaboratively we can protect the important role that universities play in the pursuit of truth and free exchange of ideas.