Black academics condemn ‘ridicule and vilification’ of Arday

A group representing black academics has called on the UK press regulator to examine the media coverage surrounding Jason Arday’s private life before his death, saying some of the reporting on the former University of Cambridge professor amounted to “personal ridicule and vilification”.

Black Leaders in Higher Education UK said in a statement that it would ask the Independent Press Standards Organisation to consider “the nature and extent of reporting concerning Professor Arday’s private life and whether relevant editorial standards were upheld”. 

“We have been deeply concerned by the scale and intensely personal nature of some of the public scrutiny directed at Professor Arday, including commentary that moved beyond legitimate questions of academic integrity into personal ridicule and vilification,” the group said. 

It added that there was “undoubted public interest” in questions of academic integrity but that scrutiny must be applied equally to all academics.

“As Black academics and professional services staff we recognise aspects of this experience and what they raise about how Black academics are represented, judged and discussed within and outside academia,” the group said.

It also urged universities to provide support and reassurance to black students and staff affected by the debate surrounding the case.

Arday was found dead in London on 14 August after weeks of intense public scrutiny over his academic record and personal achievements. Police have said his death is being treated as unexpected but is not believed to be suspicious. 

When he was appointed professor of sociology of education in 2023, Arday became the youngest black professor in Cambridge’s history. He resigned from the university on 5 August following allegations that he had plagiarised parts of his PhD thesis at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). 

Arday denied the plagiarism allegations but acknowledged errors in his work. Announcing his resignation, he said that the “relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love”.

LJMU had concluded that his PhD should stand. Cambridge later announced an independent investigation into Arday’s appointment. Asked about the status of this investigation, Cambridge said that there had been no change since its statement announcing the probe. 

Cambridge chancellor Chris Smith has condemned the “racist feeding frenzy” surrounding Arday before his death.

“I do believe it is possible to hold to two principles at the same time: to believe in the importance of academic integrity, and where criticisms of plagiarism arise, about any academic, whoever they are, ensure that they are rigorously investigated,” Smith said, according to a statement shared with the BBC. “And also to refuse to join in a racist feeding frenzy over a particular academic.”

An open letter addressed to prime minister Andy Burnham and the culture secretary has called for an immediate public inquiry into media coverage of Arday. Published by the Good Law Project, the letter says Arday was subjected to “two weeks of relentless harassment” that continued after his resignation, adding that “there cannot be any doubt that racism lay at the heart of this story”. 

It so far has more than 80,000 signatures, including from prominent figures such as Diane Abbott, Zack Polanski and Jameela Jamil. 

Stand Up To Racism has organised a vigil for Arday outside the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. 

A GoFundMe appeal started by Windrush campaigner Patrick Vernon to help Arday’s family with funeral costs has raised more than £150,000. 

seher.asaf@timeshighereducation.com