- Cambridge University's chancellor has criticised the "racist feeding frenzy" around Jason Arday, the professor who died after stepping down during a plagiarism row.
- Lord Chris Smith, speaking publicly for the first time, said academic integrity could be upheld while questioning Arday's treatment.
- In a statement following the professor's death, Lord Smith said: "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. And also to refuse to join in a racist feeding frenzy over a particular academic."
- Cambridge University initially said claims of plagiarism regarding Arday's thesis and some journal publications had been investigated by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and the journals in question. LJMU - which awarded Arday his PhD in 2015 - concluded that he had not plagiarised work. But last week, Cambridge announced an independent investigation into his appointment.
- Sir James Cleverly said he was angry with the situation, and that this never would have happened if the "people within the university establishment - not just Cambridge - had done the robust due diligence and checking that should happen with any senior academic appointment".
- Speaking to the BBC's Today programme, Sir James Cleverly said he felt Arday was used as "bragging rights by some universities", and that people spoke of his "age and his ethnicity rather than his talent".
- "I think it was part of the reason that he was lifted so high so quickly and then when the scrutiny did come - external to the universities - his reputation had so far to fall. I think it was unfair on him and I think it's been a terrible, terrible situation."
Cambridge University's chancellor, Lord Chris Smith, has publicly condemned the 'racist feeding frenzy' surrounding Jason Arday, who tragically died after stepping down amid plagiarism allegations.12567
Arday, who became the university's youngest black professor in 2023, faced intense media scrutiny regarding his academic integrity.
Over 30,000 individuals, including prominent figures like Diane Abbott and Jameela Jamil, have signed a petition calling for an inquiry into the media's treatment of Arday, citing that his death followed 'two weeks of relentless harassment.'
In a statement, Lord Smith emphasized the need to uphold academic integrity while also rejecting the racist undertones of the media coverage. He stated, "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."34
Despite the allegations, an investigation by Liverpool John Moores University concluded that Arday had not plagiarised his work.
Following his resignation on August 5, Arday insisted that it should not be seen as an acceptance of the surrounding narratives.
Sir James Cleverly expressed anger over the situation, suggesting that Arday was used as 'bragging rights by some universities' and that his ethnicity overshadowed his talent.89
He remarked, "I think it was part of the reason that he was lifted so high so quickly and then when the scrutiny did come - external to the universities - his reputation had so far to fall. I think it was unfair on him and I think it's been a terrible, terrible situation."
“Lord Chris Smith, speaking publicly for the first time, said academic integrity could be upheld while questioning Arday's treatment. LJMU, which awarded Arday his PhD in 2015, had concluded he did not plagiarise, but Cambridge launched an independent investigation into his appointment last week.”
BBC
