Key facts
- Over 30,000 people have signed a petition calling for an inquiry into media coverage of the late Professor Jason Arday.
- Signatories allege Arday's death followed 'two weeks of relentless harassment' and a 'vicious witch hunt'.
- Arday, 41, resigned from his Cambridge professorship amid plagiarism allegations, which he denied.
- Liverpool John Moores University previously concluded Arday did not plagiarise work for his PhD.
- Cambridge University announced an independent investigation into Arday's appointment, but is reportedly reconsidering proceeding.
Cambridge University's chancellor has criticised the 'racist feeding frenzy' surrounding Jason Arday, the professor who died after stepping down amid plagiarism allegations. Lord Chris Smith stated that it is possible to uphold academic integrity while simultaneously refusing to participate in such a 'frenzy'.
Over 30,000 people, including politicians like Diane Abbott and Jameela Jamil, have signed a petition by the Good Law Project calling for an inquiry into the media coverage of Arday, alleging his death followed 'two weeks of relentless harassment'. Arday, 41, resigned from his Cambridge professorship on August 5, denying claims of plagiarism. Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded him his PhD in 2015, had previously concluded he had not plagiarised work.
The controversy began after academic Nathan Cofnas alleged plagiarism in Arday's work. Cofnas himself had been removed from a Cambridge role amid controversy over his views on race and meritocracy. Cambridge had initially announced an independent investigation into Arday's appointment, but it is understood the university is now reconsidering whether to proceed.
Lord Woolley, principal of Homerton College at Cambridge, described the media coverage as 'bloodsport' and suggested racism may have played a role in the differential treatment Arday received compared to other academics accused of plagiarism. Cambridge University stated that Arday had received support for his well-being during his tenure and after his resignation.