- Jason Arday resigned from his post as professor of sociology of education earlier this month.
- Arday's family released a statement via Simon & Schuster describing sustained abuse for over three years.
- A fundraiser launched by Patrick Vernon raised over £3,000 for funeral and memorial costs.
- Prof Deborah Prentice issued a statement on Saturday expressing condolences and prioritizing community support.
- Cambridge University defended its mental health support, citing panic alarms and screening racist emails.
- A vigil in Arday's memory is scheduled for Monday at 6pm at the National Gallery.
- Weyman Bennett, co-convener of Stand Up to Racism, stated that Arday's death was the 'result of a racist witch-hunt'.
- Bennett added that the rightwing press, politicians, and the far right had hounded Arday with vicious racism.
- Arday's family stated he was subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse for more than three years.
- Prof Prentice emphasized that supporting the community through this tragedy is the top priority.
Cambridge University is under scrutiny following the death of Jason Arday, its youngest black professor, who faced allegations of plagiarism and a sustained campaign of abuse. The university has provided extensive mental health support, including panic alarms and screening of racist communications, after Arday's resignation earlier this month.
Arday, 41, was found dead at his home in Battersea, south London, after emergency services were called on Friday. His family described him as a gentle man who was subjected to a relentless campaign of misinformation and abuse for over three years, which they believe contributed to his tragic end. They stated, “Jason was subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse for more than three years since he accepted the role of professor at Cambridge University.”29
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the university said, “Our support continued in the face of intense public and media scrutiny and after his resignation.” The university had previously investigated the plagiarism claims and found no wrongdoing, labeling the situation a “vile smear campaign.”
A vigil organized by Stand Up to Racism is set for Monday at 6pm in Trafalgar Square, with co-convener Weyman Bennett stating that Arday’s death was the “result of a racist witch-hunt.” A fundraiser initiated by Windrush campaigner Patrick Vernon has raised over £65,000 to assist with funeral costs and support for Arday’s family.367
Prof Deborah Prentice, vice-chancellor of Cambridge, expressed her condolences, emphasizing the university's commitment to supporting its community during this tragedy.4
“Stand Up to Racism co-convener Weyman Bennett called Arday's death the 'result of a racist witch-hunt,' blaming rightwing press and politicians. A fundraiser by Patrick Vernon has raised over £3,000 for funeral costs, while the family described a three-year campaign of misinformation.”
The Guardian
