JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Dr. Parvez Ahmed has been re-appointed to the city's Human Rights Commission. City Council voted 13-6 to let Ahmed stay on the commission dealing with racial and housing discrimination in the city.
There is a big controversy centering around the UNF professor. Dr, Parvez Ahmed was appointed to the commission in 2010.
Dr. Ahmed's alleged ties to terror groups and his religion were at the center of his appointment. Back then, former council president Jack Webb says he realized just how much of an impact the council's decision had on the community.
"It made me realize the deep wounds that exist in the community, as a result of discrimination, bigotry and racism," said Webb.
Three years after Dr. Ahmed's appointment, the same issues are coming up. Webb says there's no need for it.
"This is an issue we vetted," said councilman Don Redmond.
Councilman Robin Lumb disagrees. He told Action News he wanted the vote to be pulled from Tuesday's agenda.
"The statements he made, statements that support anti-blasphemy, meaning, he doesn't believe in free speech," said Lumb.
Dr. Ahmed has already served a three year term in this position. Council members we talked to didn't dispute his work with the commission, but say it's his comments and past connections that need to be better vetted.
"I'm not criticizing his job, but I am saying how can you be on the Human Rights Commission if you don't embrace the First Amendment," said Lumb.
