Cambridge chancellor criticises 'racist feeding frenzy' around Jason Arday
Lord Chris Smith said plagiarism claims should be investigated rigorously, but not through a racist feeding frenzy, as more than 93,000 people signed a petition for inquiry.
- Lord Chris Smith of Finsbury, Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, publicly condemned the media and online storm surrounding former professor Jason Arday, characterizing elements of the intense public scrutiny as a "racist feeding frenzy".
- The Chancellor's comments follow the unexpected death of 41-year-old Jason Arday in London on August 14, just days after he resigned from his post as professor of sociology of education amid widespread coverage of plagiarism allegations.
- Lord Smith emphasized that while it is vital to uphold academic integrity and rigorously investigate plagiarism claims regarding any scholar, it is equally necessary to refuse to join in a racially motivated campaign against an individual.
- Arday's family and campaigners pointed to a "campaign of sustained abuse" and misinformation that became unbearable, prompting thousands to sign petitions and attend vigils calling for inquiries into his treatment by the media and academic institutions.
- Political figures also weighed in on the tragedy, with Sir James Cleverly stating that while scrutiny was necessary, universities had used Arday as "bragging rights" over his age and ethnicity rather than focusing on his talent, leading to a "terrible situation" when external scrutiny mounted.
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Black Academics Condemn “Ridicule and Vilification” of Arday
Coverage that went beyond “legitimate questions of academic integrity” should be investigated, says group of Black leaders. A group representing Black academics has called on the U.K. press regulator to examine the media coverage surrounding Jason Arday’s private life before his death, saying some of the reporting on the former University of Cambridge professor amounted to “personal ridicule and vilification.”
Jason Arday Row Explodes as Cambridge Chancellor Condemns 'Racist Feeding Frenzy'
More than 93,000 people have signed a petition calling for an inquiry into the media coverage surrounding former Cambridge professor Jason Arday, as the university's chancellor condemned what he described as a 'racist feeding frenzy.' Arday, 41, was found dead at an address in Battersea, South London, on 14 August, days after resigning as Cambridge's professor of sociology of education. He had faced weeks of scrutiny over allegations concerning …
According to Lord Chris Smith, the accusations of plagiarism must be rigorously investigated: "But if it had been white there would not have been a witch hunt"
The rector of Cambridge warns of racism after the death of Jason Arday. See the demands of the family and the signatures gathered in their support.
The Arday case continues to move Britain. After the death of the former star professor, the Chancellor of the University of Cambridge makes serious accusations against the 41-year-old.
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