Petition following death of ex-Cambridge professor Jason Arday

After the unexpected death of British Cambridge professor Jason Arday, who resigned following allegations of plagiarism, more than 31,000 people petitioned for a government investigation into the incident. "There can be no doubt that Dr. Arday's tragic death was the direct, foreseeable and foreseen result of press harassment," said the website of the Good Law Project, which launched the appeal to British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, which was joined by several MPs.

Arday was found dead in Battersea, south London, on Friday. The police suspect suicide or natural death. "A significant element in this bullying was the color of his skin," added Good Law Project, referring to the black academic. A vigil for Arday is planned for Monday evening in London's Trafalgar Square.

Accusations of plagiarism and doubts about the CV

The Arday case had attracted a lot of attention. Three years ago, the sociologist was appointed to the elite University of Cambridge at the age of just 37 - as the institution's youngest black professor ever. However, in recent weeks there have been allegations of plagiarism against Arday and doubts about his life story. Arday finally resigned from his post on August 5.

In an interview with the Times before his death, Arday acknowledged mistakes but attributed the deficiencies in his academic work to his autism and learning disabilities. He lacked support at the time. “What I am not is a liar,” he told the newspaper. Rather, the allegations against him are racially motivated. Arday's family spoke of a "bullying campaign" after his death.

DEI criticism popular among right-wingers

The allegations against Arday were first made by US researcher Nathan Cofnas, who had to leave Cambridge University in 2024 due to allegations of racism. They were seized upon by right-wing newspapers and commentators, who described Arday as a "poster child" for equality and inclusion (DEI) programs.