Polanski defends Cambridge professor amid plagiarism row

Key facts

• Professor Jason Arday resigned from the University of Cambridge following allegations of plagiarism.
• Arday's resignation came after media reports questioned his PhD thesis and other claims.
• The University of Cambridge and Jesus College have launched investigations into the allegations.
• Green Party leader Zack Polanski defended Arday, suggesting he faced higher standards due to his race.
• Polanski criticized the situation as a "trial by media" and called for transparency.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has defended Professor Jason Arday, a sociology of education professor at the University of Cambridge, who resigned following allegations of plagiarism and questionable claims about his achievements. Arday, who became Cambridge's youngest black professor in 2023, stated in his resignation letter that he had "reached the limits of what any person should reasonably be expected to endure."

Polanski signed a letter criticizing what he called "sustained and malicious attacks" on Arday's integrity. Speaking on LBC, Polanski suggested that individuals of color can sometimes be held to higher standards in society and that Arday faced a "trial by media." He emphasized the importance of fair process and transparency, urging the university to continue its investigation to uncover the truth, noting that previous investigations had reportedly found no issues or deemed allegations unfounded.

The University of Cambridge announced it had launched an investigation into Arday's academic qualifications and honorary appointments, stating that separate ongoing complaints regarding academic misconduct were being handled according to policy. Jesus College also confirmed it was initiating its own process concerning the allegations. Arday's memoir is scheduled for publication later this month.