Jason Arday, who became Cambridge University's youngest Black professor when appointed in 2023, was found dead at an address in Battersea, south London, on August 14. He was 41. His death came after weeks of intense media coverage over plagiarism allegations, which he denied.
Cambridge's chancellor, Lord Chris Smith, has now spoken publicly for the first time since Arday's death, according to BBC News. Smith criticized what he called a "racist feeding frenzy" directed at Arday and said two principles could be held at once.
"I do believe it is possible to hold to two principles at the same time: to believe in the importance of academic integrity, and where criticisms of plagiarism arise, about any academic, whoever they are, ensure that they are rigorously investigated," Smith said. "And also to refuse to join in a racist feeding frenzy over a particular academic."
Lord Smith is a former Labour MP and secretary of state for culture, media and sport. His role at Cambridge is largely ceremonial, with day-to-day running of the university handled by vice-chancellor Prof Deborah Prentice.
Arday resigned as Cambridge's professor of sociology of education on August 5, before his death. In his resignation, he stressed that the decision should not "be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me."
Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded Arday his PhD in 2015, investigated plagiarism claims and concluded he had not plagiarised work. Cambridge had initially pointed to that finding. But last week, the university announced an independent investigation into his appointment.
A Good Law Project petition, signed by more than 80,000 people including Diane Abbott and Jameela Jamil, calls for an inquiry into press coverage of Arday. The petition states that his death followed "two weeks of relentless harassment" and that "press conduct is getting worse."
Coverage of Arday went beyond mainstream outlets. Al Jazeera reported that publications including The Spectator and The Telegraph ran repeated articles about him, and that critics on both the political right and left took part. Aaron Bastani, co-founder of left-wing outlet Novara Media, posted on X that in a 40-minute lecture on YouTube, Arday had said "nothing" and called him a "conman."
Al Jazeera also noted that commentary extended to Arday's autism and his athletic achievements, with what it described as "rank disability denial" and coverage of whether he was late to lectures or provided sufficient citations.
Downing Street declined to say whether Andy Burnham was considering a broader inquiry into Arday's death. A spokesperson said it was "a moment for reflection" and that it was right for "the usual processes" like an inquest to conclude. The London Inner South Coroner's Court said an investigation to determine cause of death could take several weeks.
Sir James Cleverly said he was angry with what happened to Arday and argued the university establishment, not just Cambridge, should have "done the robust due diligence and checking that should happen with any senior academic."
The coroner will confirm whether a full inquest will take place after the investigation concludes and following any submissions from Arday's family.
