Cambridge chancellor criticises 'racist feeding frenzy' around Jason Arday

What the report says

Cambridge University’s chancellor, Lord Chris Smith, has criticised what he called a “racist feeding frenzy” surrounding Professor Jason Arday, after the scholar died following weeks of scrutiny over plagiarism allegations. The Nile Post reports that Arday, who was appointed in 2023 as Cambridge’s youngest Black professor, had denied the claims before stepping down from his role as professor of sociology of education on 5 August.

The article says the controversy centered on questions about Arday’s academic record and achievements, prompting media coverage and calls for an inquiry into how he was treated. A Good Law Project petition has drawn more than 80,000 signatures, including those of Diane Abbott and Jameela Jamil, arguing that press conduct has worsened. Lord Smith said academic integrity and fair scrutiny can coexist, while also rejecting racially charged treatment of the professor.

Cambridge had said the plagiarism complaints had already been reviewed by Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded Arday his PhD in 2015, and by the journals involved; LJMU concluded he had not plagiarised. The university later announced an independent investigation into his appointment. Arday was found dead in Battersea, south London, on Friday, and the case has prompted wider debate over media scrutiny, duty of care and race in academia.

The report also notes that vigils were being planned in London and Cambridge, reflecting the strong reaction to a case that has resonated beyond the university sector.