University of Cambridge Defends Mental Health Support for Late Professor Jason Arday Amid Racist Witch-Hunt Claims

The University of Cambridge has defended its mental health support for Professor Jason Arday, who died after facing accusations of plagiarism and racist media scrutiny. Arday, 41, resigned as professor of sociology of education this month amid widespread criticism. The university stated it continued to provide Arday with extensive support, including panic alarms and screening for racist emails, even after his resignation. A spokesperson offered condolences to Arday's family, describing the time as "extremely difficult." Arday was found dead at his Battersea home. Stand Up to Racism has organised a vigil for Arday, with co-convener Weyman Bennett blaming his death on a "racist witch-hunt" by the rightwing press and politicians. Bennett claimed Arday was hounded with vicious racism, with false claims that black people are appointed based on skin color, not ability. Initially accused of plagiarising his PhD thesis, Arday denied the allegations. An investigation by Liverpool John Moores University upheld his PhD. Cambridge initially found no wrongdoing but announced a fresh investigation after receiving "new information" about Arday's qualifications. Other aspects of Arday's life, including charity work and personal achievements, were also questioned. The investigation is paused during the grieving period. Academics and politicians question if Cambridge took Arday's vulnerability seriously when appointing him in 2023, amid diversity criticism. Prof Simon Baron-Cohen suggested proceeding with the investigation to learn from it and questioned the media's duty of care towards Arday, highlighting racist abuse and his use as a "lightning rod for a culture war." Simon Woolley called for an investigation into the "vicious media onslaught." Vice-Chancellor Prof Deborah Prentice offered condolences and pledged support for the community. A fundraiser by Patrick Vernon has raised over £65,000 for Arday's family. Arday's family described him as a gentle man subjected to a sustained abuse campaign, stating the misinformation was too much for him. Andy Burnham described the death as a "tragedy on so many levels" and urged reflection.

A vigil will be held at the National Gallery on Monday.