Professor Jason Arday Found Dead Amidst Plagiarism Allegations and Media Scrutiny
Vigils planned as public outcry grows over academic's death and calls for inquiry into media conduct intensify.
Sarah Connor
Professor Jason Arday was found dead in Battersea on Friday.
Professor Arday faced intense scrutiny over plagiarism claims in his work, with further questions about other assertions, including running 600 miles in six days and raising £5.5 million for charity.
His family states the "campaign of misinformation" proved too much for him; Lord Simon Woolley claims Professor Jason Arday felt hounded to death by a toxic media onslaught.
The Good Law Project asserts his death was the direct result of sustained press harassment, claiming racism lay at the heart of the story.
Campaigners argue his treatment raises urgent questions regarding press regulation, structural racism, and the excessive scrutiny faced by minority professionals.
Almost 100,000 people have signed a petition calling for an immediate public inquiry; the Good Law Project petition claims the media engaged in 'relentless harassment.'
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. And also to refuse to join in a racist feeding frenzy over a particular academic.
Cambridge University had launched an independent investigation into Professor Arday's appointment. However, the institution indicated it does not feel it is appropriate to proceed while the professor's family grieves.
Sir James Cleverly claims Professor Arday was used as “bragging rights by some universities,” suggesting the rush to highlight his age and ethnicity rather than his talent contributed to his rapid ascent.
It could and should have never come this far. If people within the university establishment, not just Cambridge, had done the robust due diligence and checking that should happen with any senior academic appointment.
He added, "I can’t help but feel that the rush to use Jason Arday as a bragging right by some universities – the glee with which they said ‘we’ve got the youngest-ever black professor’, talking about his age and his ethnicity rather than his talent, I think was part of the reason he was lifted so high so quickly."
Sir James Cleverly concluded, "And then when the scrutiny did come – external to the universities – his reputation had so far to fall. I think it was unfair on him and I think it’s been a terrible, terrible situation."
A GoFundMe fundraiser set up by Sir Patrick Vernon has raised £130,000 for Professor Jason Arday's family.
Sir Patrick Vernon claims the outpouring of support shows the public still cares and feels angry about how the neurodiverse professor was hounded by the media.
A No 10 spokeswoman reiterated the Prime Minister’s point that this is a moment for reflection, stating, "we should not lose sight of the people at the heart of this, who are Jason’s family and loved ones."
The spokeswoman added that "in due course the usual processes will take place, so that could involve, for example, an inquest. So it would be right for us to let those processes conclude."
Downing Street has declined to comment on whether an inquiry into Professor Arday's death is being considered at this stage.
Professor Arday's memoir, Great And Unfortunate Things, is scheduled for publication on August 27; he had stated his decision to resign should not "be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me."