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Cambridge University defends mental health support for late professor Jason Arday

From The Guardian · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Cambridge University has defended its mental health support for professor Jason Arday, stating extensive measures were provided after his resignation.
  • Arday, the university's youngest Black professor, died at 41, with his death linked by campaigners to a racist media campaign.
  • The university is launching a new investigation into allegations of plagiarism and inconsistencies in Arday's career after receiving new information.

The University of Cambridge has issued a defense of its mental health and security provisions for Professor Jason Arday, who died earlier this month at the age of 41. Arday, who was the youngest Black professor at Cambridge when appointed in 2023, resigned from his post amid widespread media coverage of accusations concerning plagiarism and inconsistencies in his professional achievements.

Our support continued in the face of intense public and media scrutiny and after his resignation. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Jason’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.

— University of Cambridge spokespersonThe University of Cambridge defended its mental health and security support for Professor Jason Arday.

The university stated that it continued to offer Arday "extensive mental health support and security measures," including panic alarms and screening of racist communications, even after his resignation. A spokesperson for Cambridge expressed condolences to Arday's family, saying, "Our support continued in the face of intense public and media scrutiny and after his resignation."

Arday's death was reported Friday after emergency services were called to his home in Battersea, south London. Campaigners, including Stand Up to Racism, have organized a vigil in his memory. Weyman Bennett, a co-convener of the group, attributed Arday's death to a "racist witch-hunt" by the right-wing press, politicians, and the far right, who he accused of spreading lies about Black professionals being appointed based on race rather than ability.

For more than a week, the rightwing press, politicians and the far-right have hounded Jason with the most vicious racism. They are spreading the far-right lie that black people are only appointed because of the colour of our skin, rather than our ability.

— Weyman BennettWeyman Bennett, co-convener of Stand Up to Racism, commented on the circumstances surrounding Arday's death.

Cambridge University's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deborah Prentice, has stated that supporting the community through this tragedy is her top priority. Earlier investigations by Liverpool John Moores University into plagiarism allegations for Arday's PhD found no wrongdoing. However, Cambridge announced a fresh investigation after receiving "new information" regarding his qualifications and career, following earlier claims of a "vile smear campaign."

Our number one priority is supporting our community through this tragedy.

— Prof Deborah PrenticeProf Deborah Prentice, the vice-chancellor of Cambridge University, addressed the university community.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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