- University of Cambridge has announced an investigation into Jason Arday's appointment amid disputes regarding his childhood claims.
- Two former schoolmates, Jonathan Stewart and Magnus Okuonghae, have disputed Arday's claim that he was non-verbal as a child, recalling him speaking and joking at Heathbrook primary school.
- In his memoir, Arday writes that he spoke for the first time just before his 12th birthday, after the council was about to withdraw his speech therapy support due to lack of progress.
- Arday denied the accounts from Stewart and Okuonghae and provided statements from two school friends, Nick Clark and Mike Freeman, who supported his memoir's account.
- Nick Clark recalled that Arday did not speak during primary school and was regularly removed from class for additional support, but they later became friends through football at age 13.
- Nick Clark's mother, Russell-Clark, helped support a three-year-old Arday in nursery and later in reception, noting he never spoke to her but was well-behaved; she also said she did not remember him speaking until he was 14/15.
- Mike Freeman corroborated that Arday did not speak during primary school and was taken out of class for educational needs, but could communicate through play and actions.
- Stewart expressed concern that the controversy tarnishes Arday's achievements and could increase scrutiny of the black community.
The University of Cambridge is scrutinizing Jason Arday's appointment following allegations from former classmates who dispute his claims of being non-verbal during childhood.1
Jonathan Stewart, a former classmate, described Arday as the 'class clown' who 'was always cracking jokes' and could mimic accents.11
Magnus Okuonghae, another former schoolmate, stated, 'I certainly recollect him being able to speak.'
In contrast, Arday's memoir recounts a struggle with speech until he was nearly 12, claiming he spoke for the first time during a therapy session.
However, classmates like Nick Clark and Mike Freeman support Arday's account, stating he was often removed from class for additional support and did not speak during their time at Heathbrook primary school.2346710
Clark noted, 'I remember Jason not speaking and being regularly removed from class for additional support.'
Freeman added, 'His severe special needs didn’t stop him playing football and games with me and others as he was still friendly and could communicate through play and actions.'
The controversy has raised concerns within the black community, with Stewart expressing disappointment, stating, 'It’s tarnished. I can’t tell my sons: ‘Go look at him as somebody to look up to.’'
“Arday's memoir says he spoke just before his 12th birthday after the council nearly cut his speech therapy; two school friends, Nick Clark and Mike Freeman, support his account, while Stewart worries the controversy tarnishes his achievements and increases scrutiny of the black community.”
The Guardian
