Office for Students announces its first Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom

The Office for Students (OfS) has today welcomed the appointment of Professor Arif Ahmed as the first Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom.

Photo credit: Jean-Luc Benazet

Professor Ahmed will take up his role later in the summer.

Commenting on his appointment, Susan Lapworth, chief executive of the OfS, said:

‘Freedom of speech and academic freedom are essential underpinning principles of higher education in England. Arif’s appointment will ensure they continue to be robustly defended across the sector. Arif will bring an important academic perspective to the OfS’s work in this area and I am looking forward to working with him as we implement the new legislation.’

Professor Ahmed has written an op-ed in The Times on the appointment.

Published 01 June 2023

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Office for Students announces its first Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom

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