- The head of Cambridge university on Monday condemned a 'racist feeding frenzy' prompted by plagiarism claims against the Black academic Jason Arday, who was found dead last week after resigning from his post.
- After Arday, Cambridge’s youngest ever Black professor, was found dead Friday following multiple plagiarism accusations, Chris Smith, the university’s chancellor, told the BBC he believed it was important that claims of plagiarism were 'rigorously investigated.'
- Smith said it was also right to 'refuse to join in a racist feeding frenzy' over a particular academic, without naming Arday directly.
- Arday’s family have blamed a 'misinformation campaign.' An online fundraising page for Arday’s family had raised over £146,000 (US$198,000) on Monday morning.
- A petition demanding a public inquiry into the media coverage of Arday had gathered almost 32,400 signatures Monday. The group Stand Up To Racism was set to hold one vigil on London’s Trafalgar Square on Monday evening and another in Cambridge.
- The university was also facing mounting questions over its handling of the allegations and treatment of Arday. James Cleverly, a right-wing opposition MP whose mother was born in Sierra Leone, told the BBC Monday that 'quite possibly' some scrutiny of Arday was motivated by racism.
Cambridge University is facing backlash after the death of Jason Arday, its youngest Black professor, who resigned amid plagiarism allegations. His passing has sparked discussions about racism and media ethics, with calls for a public inquiry into the coverage surrounding his case.1
Arday, 41, resigned on August 5, stating he had “reached the limits of what any person should reasonably be expected to endure.” His death on Friday was described by Prime Minister Andy Burnham as “a tragedy on so many levels.” Arday's family has accused the media of conducting a “misinformation campaign.”
In response to the situation, Chris Smith, Cambridge's chancellor, emphasized the need for rigorous investigation of plagiarism claims but condemned the “racist feeding frenzy” that ensued. He stated it was crucial to “refuse to join in” such behavior, highlighting the need for fairness in academic scrutiny.2
The university is under pressure as a petition for a public inquiry into the media's treatment of Arday has garnered nearly 32,400 signatures. Additionally, an online fundraising page for his family raised over £146,000 (US$198,000) by Monday morning. Vigils are planned in London and Cambridge by the group Stand Up To Racism to honor Arday's memory.4567
Critics, including James Cleverly, a right-wing MP, suggested that the scrutiny faced by Arday may have been racially motivated, stating that the situation could have been mitigated with better due diligence from the university.89
“Arday's family blamed a 'misinformation campaign,' and a petition for a public inquiry into media coverage has gathered nearly 32,400 signatures. Chancellor Chris Smith told the BBC that claims should be 'rigorously investigated,' while an online fundraiser for Arday's family has raised over £146,000.”
CP24
