Cambridge’s youngest Black professor in plagiarism row publishes memoir

Jason Arday, Cambridge University's youngest Black professor, has resigned amid a controversy involving allegations of plagiarism and racism. The Black British academic stepped down from his position as professor of sociology of education and as a fellow of Jesus College.

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Miraculously, just a few days shy of my 12th birthday, I spoke.

The controversy gained traction after academics and media reports accused Arday of plagiarizing parts of his doctoral thesis. His memoir, "Great and Unfortunate Things," also drew scrutiny, although his British publisher insists no plagiarism allegations pertain to the book itself. Arday, who was diagnosed with autism and was non-verbal until age 11, became a professor at 37.

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What if I have completely overestimated my capabilities? What if my story ends up being a cautionary tale like Icarus about flying too close to the sun?

British right-wing newspapers and commentators have seized upon the allegations, suggesting Arday unfairly benefited from diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Arday has acknowledged making mistakes but stated he is being wrongly portrayed as a "liar and a fantasist and an academic fraud." He further alleged that the "campaign to unseat me from my position" was racially motivated.

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The Times of London and Telegraph newspapers have published several investigative articles into Arday’s academic work and personal life.

Cambridge University confirmed it would continue to investigate Arday's appointment and tenure following his resignation. The plagiarism claims were initially raised by Nathan Cofnas, a US academic described as a "race realist," whose own affiliation with a Cambridge college was terminated amid racism accusations. Arday's memoir was published in the United States shortly after his resignation.

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Arday has admitted to mistakes, but said he was being wrongly “portrayed to be a liar and a fantasist and an academic fraud.”