A former PhD student at the University of Cambridge previously underwent an internal grievance process involving the institution.
This follows an internal process handled by the university’s Office of Student Conduct, Complaints and Appeals (OSCCA), involving Dr James Orr, an Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion in the Faculty of Divinity.
Professor Richard Rex, the chair of the Faculty of Divinity board, has acknowledged that the student’s experience had been both “distressing” and “disruptive.”
Political suspension and police investigation
The institutional matter coincides with a period of significant scrutiny for Dr Orr outside of his academic role. On 4 September 2026, he was suspended from his position as Head of Policy for Reform UK.
These developments follow the Metropolitan Police opening a criminal investigation into allegations that Reform UK breached rules concerning foreign donations.
While the university’s internal HR policies typically keep the specific details of staff disciplinary measures private, the student’s experience has been formally acknowledged by faculty leadership.
Dr Orr remains an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Divinity.