Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Parvez Ahmed Reappointed to HRC

WJCT News

The Jacksonville City Council has approved the reappointment of UNF Professor Parvez Ahmed to the city’s Human Rights Commission.

He was approved on a 13-6 vote.

Unlike three years ago, when the council discussed his appointment at length, the vote was done quickly.

Only Robin Lumb spoke about the reappointment expressing concerns that the Rules Committee overruled it’s Chair Clay Yarborough who wanted to wait another two weeks before voting.

Lumb says he wanted to ask Ahmed about some statements the professor has made appearing to support laws against blasphemy but was never given the opportunity.

Administration officials say traditionally, reappointments to city boards and commissions only have to appear again before Rules if their attendance is below 75-percent.

After Lumb spoke the question was called, thereby ending debate.

Lumb was among those who voted against the reappointment.

Supports of Ahmed say many of the comments he has made have been mischaracterized by opponents.

Kevin Meerschaert has left WJCT for new pursuits. He was the producer of First Coast Connect until October of 2018.