Cambridge Head Slams 'Racist Feeding Frenzy' Over Dead Academic

The head of Cambridge University has strongly condemned what he described as a “racist feeding frenzy” directed at Jason Arday, a Black academic who died last week following plagiarism allegations. Arday, who was Cambridge's youngest-ever Black professor, died on Friday after resigning from his post.

“

refuse to join in a racist feeding frenzy over a particular academic

Chris Smith, the university's chancellor, told the BBC that while plagiarism claims must be "rigorously investigated," it is also important to "refuse to join in a racist feeding frenzy over a particular academic." Arday, 41, resigned on August 5 after widespread media coverage of accusations that he had plagiarized parts of his doctoral thesis. He stated at the time that he had "reached the limits of what any person should reasonably be expected to endure."

Arday's death was called "a tragedy on so many levels" by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, a Cambridge alumnus. Arday's family has attributed his death to a "misinformation campaign." As of Monday morning, an online fundraising page for the family had garnered over £146,000 (approximately $198,000).

“

a tragedy on so many levels

A petition demanding a public inquiry into the media's handling of the Arday case had gathered nearly 32,400 signatures by Monday. Demonstrations are planned, including a vigil in London's Trafalgar Square and another in Cambridge. The university itself faces scrutiny over its procedures concerning Arday's appointment and his tenure.

“

quite possibly some scrutiny of Arday was motivated by racism

James Cleverly, a Member of Parliament, suggested to the BBC that racism might have motivated some of the scrutiny Arday faced. However, he also stated that the situation "would never have come this far if people within the university establishment, not just Cambridge, had done the robust due diligence and checking that should happen with any senior academic appointment." Last week, before Arday's death was announced, Cambridge's vice-chancellor Deborah Prentice initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his appointment and his time at the university.

“

quite possibly some scrutiny of Arday was motivated by racism