Jason Arday, black Cambridge professor, found dead after plagiarism scandal

Reactions all the way to the British government. Tributes are multiplying on Saturday in memory of Jason Arday, former black professor at Cambridge University found dead on Friday after being at the heart of a plagiarism scandal.

The death of Jason Arday is a “tragedy”, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Saturday. “Now is not the time to make hasty judgments. It is rather a moment of reflection to understand how we got here,” added the Labor leader.

Relatives and colleagues have denounced “harassment” against him since his appointment 3 years ago. Jason Arday, who was 41, resigned on August 5 from the prestigious university, where in 2023 he became the youngest black professor. He was a professor of sociology of education.

“What I experienced went far beyond a simple academic disagreement. The incessant accusations, speculation and public comments have had a profound impact on me,” he wrote in his statement.

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