“Harassment by the press”: Petition calls for investigation into Cambridge professor Arday's death

A petition calling for a state investigation into the death of Cambridge Professor Jason Arday has garnered over 31,000 signatures. The family of the deceased academic alleges he was subjected to a bullying campaign, with the Good Law Project initiating the appeal to British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The organization stated that racism was a central factor in the "tragic story" of the Black academic.

"There can be no doubt that Dr. Arday's tragic death was the direct, foreseeable, and predicted result of harassment by the press," the Good Law Project asserted on its website. "A significant element in this harassment was the color of his skin," the organization added. A vigil for Arday is scheduled for Monday evening in London's Trafalgar Square, and a fundraiser for his family has already raised nearly 89,000 pounds.

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It can be no doubt that Dr. Arday's tragic death was the direct, foreseeable, and predicted result of harassment by the press.

Arday, who became the youngest Black professor at Cambridge three years ago, resigned from his post on August 5 amid plagiarism accusations and questions surrounding his curriculum vitae. He was found dead on August 16 in Battersea, South London. Police have not classified his death as suspicious, with initial indications pointing towards suicide or natural causes. Arday's family confirmed his death, describing it as a "bullying campaign" involving rumors about his academic work and personal life.

Initial allegations against Arday were reportedly raised by US researcher Nathan Cofnas. These claims were amplified by right-wing newspapers and commentators who characterized Arday as a "poster boy" for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. While the university initially defended Arday, it announced an internal investigation in early August, shortly before his resignation. In an online letter, Arday, who was diagnosed with autism as a child, emphasized that his decision should not be misinterpreted as an endorsement of the narratives surrounding him.

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A significant element in this harassment was the color of his skin.