Arif Ahmed, a controversial fellow of Gonville and Caius College, was appointed to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) board by the minister for women and equalities Kemi Badenoch last Sunday (4/12). Ahmed was appointed alongside Kunle Olulode MBE.

In a statement published by the Government Equalities Office on 4 December, it was revealed that the two commissioners were chosen for their “track record of promoting racial equality and free expression”, and for their experience and expertise in the area.

Badenoch has described the role of the EHRC as “performing a vital national service as an impartial regulator enforcing anti-discrimination legislation and defending human rights”.

In addition to being a Caius fellow, Ahmed is a Professor at the University’s Faculty of Philosophy, writing mainly on decision theory but also having an interest in religion.

He is a strong advocate of free speech, having led an effort to liberalise the University’s free speech policy in 2020, as well as speaking in favour of the right to offend at a Cambridge Union debate earlier this term, and offering free speech classes to Cambridge students.

He was at the centre of controversy earlier this term when he hosted gender-critical feminist Helen Joyce at the College, in an event that was protested by students.

In a statement published on the College website on 5 December, Professor Ahmed stated, “I feel tremendously honoured to have been asked to sit on the Board.”

“The Commission does vital work enforcing anti-discrimination legislation and protecting human rights for everyone. I very much look forward to starting work.”

Professor Pippa Rogerson, the master of Caius, congratulated Ahmed on behalf of the College Council, adding: “Equality and human rights are critical to every citizen. I am confident Professor Ahmed will make a valuable contribution to an integral role.”

This marks something of a shift in relations between Rogerson and Ahmed. Earlier this Term, the master used a college mailing list to announce she was boycotting Ahmed’s talk with Helen Joyce, whose views she described as “offensive”.

Varsity also revealed that according to a leaked email, Rogerson blocked Ahmed from publicising the Joyce talk on the College intranet, and privately told the philosopher that she did not support the event.