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Cambridge University to hold independent inquiry into Jason Arday appointment

Created at 12 Aug · 12:25 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Cambridge University will conduct an independent investigation into the appointment of Jason Arday as professor, following internal pressure and concerns about his career claims. Vice-chancellor Deborah Prentice acknowledged the controversy has damaged the institution and stated the findings will be used to review senior role appointment processes.

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Key Numbers

2022year of Arday's appointment at Cambridge
four years agoArday's tenure at Cambridge

Who's Involved

Jason Arday
Professor appointed at Cambridge University, subject of an inquiry
Deborah Prentice
Vice-chancellor of Cambridge University, announcing the investigation

↳ Why This Matters

The university's decision to hold an independent inquiry signals a response to internal concerns about academic appointments and potentially flawed vetting processes, aiming to restore trust and address issues of fairness and transparency within the institution.

Key facts

  • Cambridge University will conduct an independent investigation into the appointment of Jason Arday as professor of sociology of education.
  • The inquiry will examine the circumstances of Arday's appointment in 2022 and his tenure at the university.
  • Vice-chancellor Deborah Prentice acknowledged the controversy has damaged the institution and caused anger and anxiety.
  • Arday resigned last week after questions arose about his career and life story.
  • The investigation's findings will be used to review Cambridge's appointment processes for senior roles.
  • Durham and Glasgow universities are also investigating Arday's previous academic appointments.

Cambridge University has agreed to hold an independent investigation into the appointment of Jason Arday as a professor of sociology of education, following significant internal pressure and controversy. Vice-chancellor Deborah Prentice acknowledged the "damaging and difficult case" had caused "anger and anxiety" and admitted it had harmed the institution.

Senior academics at Cambridge had called for a thorough review after details of Arday's career and life story came under intense scrutiny. The university initially defended him, but he resigned last week when several claims were questioned. Prentice stated in a letter to staff that the investigation would be "thorough and transparent" and conducted by "senior academics from within and beyond Cambridge."

The investigation will look into the circumstances of Arday's appointment by the faculty of education in 2022 and his time at Cambridge since he joined nearly four years ago. Prentice noted that appointments to senior academic roles are currently led at the department level. She also highlighted that Arday had previously held positions at Durham and Glasgow universities, both of which have also announced investigations into his appointments there.

Prentice addressed the impact of the controversy on other Black and ethnic-minority academics, some of whom described the atmosphere as toxic. She affirmed that staff of colour are highly valued for their contributions and that Arday's case is an "aberration" that should not be used to question their work or roles at Cambridge. She emphasized the need to allow reviews to complete their work effectively to learn from any mistakes and improve processes.

Frequently asked questions

The university is investigating following scrutiny of Arday's career claims and calls from senior academics for a thorough review of the appointment process.

He was appointed as a professor of sociology of education in 2022.

Cambridge initially defended Arday, calling him a "victim of a vile campaign," but he later resigned.

Yes, Durham and Glasgow universities have also announced investigations into his prior academic appointments.

What Happens Next

01The university will establish the membership and terms of reference for the independent investigation.
02Findings from the investigation will be used to review Cambridge's appointment processes for senior roles.

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Cadence

How It Developed

Jason Arday's appointment as professor at Cambridge University faced scrutiny.
Cambridge University initially defended Arday as a "victim of a vile campaign".
Jason Arday resigned after claims about his career and life story were questioned.
Senior academics called for an independent inquiry into Arday's appointment.
Cambridge University's vice-chancellor, Deborah Prentice, announced an independent investigation.
The investigation will examine Arday's appointment by the faculty of education in 2022 and his time at Cambridge.
Durham and Glasgow universities also announced investigations into Arday's prior appointments.
Prentice stated the findings will inform a review of Cambridge's senior role appointment processes.

Sources

T1
Cambridge agrees to hold independent inquiry into Jason Arday appointmentThe Guardian

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