Cambridge academics stated that the university's plans to investigate Jason Arday's death are inadequate. This criticism suggests the proposed review lacks clarity on answering difficult questions concerning the university's involvement in events leading up to Arday's death. Jason Arday died in London on 14 August. Prior to his death, Arday resigned amid allegations concerning plagiarism and inconsistencies in his statements about his professional life.
The university last month announced a two-part review. Part one of this review will be managed by Nazir Afzal, a former chief crown prosecutor for north-west England. The group of academics wants the investigation to pinpoint crucial advice and decisions made during Arday’s hiring and subsequent career. Furthermore, the investigation must establish who authorized and directed the university’s public promotion of Professor Arday.
The academics also stressed that the university should clearly state how responsibility will be acted upon if the review establishes serious failures of leadership or responsibility. In 2023, Cambridge publicized Arday’s appointment at age 37, noting he was the youngest black person ever appointed to a professorship at the university. Arday was appointed professor of sociology of education in 2023. Separately, Arday’s family stated that he endured a campaign of sustained abuse for more than three years.
