- Academics at Cambridge are calling for an independent inquiry into Jason Arday's appointment, blaming university leaders for the grotesque racism unleashed by it.
- Initially the university defended Arday as a victim of a vile campaign, but later announced his resignation after receiving new information, and has since distanced itself by deleting webpages.
- Arday's resignation was cited as a result of constant public scrutiny, leading to a joint letter from academics calling for an independent inquiry into the appointment process.
- The academics want the inquiry to be independent and to scrutinize the appointment committee and previous disputes in the faculty of education.
- Gopal criticized Cambridge for seeking a media-friendly appointment and cutting corners on equality and inclusion, questioning whether the university sought public kudos rather than teaching and research.
- Gopal noted that appointing such an early-career academic to a senior post is highly unusual and called for more robust procedures for academic misconduct and for protecting young people of colour from undue scrutiny.
- The university is held responsible for the racism unleashed and for harm to Black academics and critical race studies, with demands for accountability rather than a cover-up.
- One academic stated that an independent investigation must examine how such an early-career appointment was made and what the faculty and management may have got wrong.
Cambridge academics are calling for an independent inquiry into the appointment of Jason Arday, who became a professor of sociology of education in 2023 at just 37 years old. Critics argue that the university's leadership is responsible for the 'grotesque racism unleashed' by this decision.129101516
The group of senior dons claims the appointment process was flawed, suggesting that the university aimed for a 'quick fix' to enhance diversity without proper consideration of qualifications. “An independent investigation must scrutinise how such an early-career appointment to a very senior and prestigious professorial chair was made,” one academic stated.
Concerns have been raised about Arday's limited research background compared to others in similar positions. “When it was announced I looked for his body of work, and it was disappointing to say the least,” remarked a sociologist who had never heard of Arday prior to the announcement.
The university initially defended Arday, labeling him a victim of a 'vile campaign' against him. However, following new information regarding his qualifications, Arday announced his resignation, stating, “I no longer wish to feel as though I am living under a constant spotlight.” The university has since distanced itself from him, leading to accusations of 'wiping away the traces' of the controversy.3456
The call for accountability emphasizes the need for robust procedures in academic appointments, particularly for young scholars of color.
“The university initially defended Arday as 'the victim of a vile campaign' but later accepted his resignation after receiving 'new information'. Academics want the inquiry to include external members and scrutinize the appointment committee and previous disputes in the faculty of education.”
The Guardian
