A group of nearly 100 senior academics at the University of Cambridge has rejected the university's proposed review into the hiring of Jason Arday, demanding an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his appointment and resignation.
Arday, who was appointed as a professor of sociology in early 2023 and hailed as Cambridge's youngest black professor, resigned this week following intense media scrutiny over his personal and professional claims. The university announced on Friday that it would review its procedures for appointing senior academic staff, but the academics argue this is insufficient.
Academics call for independent investigation
In a letter sent to Vice-Chancellor Prof Deborah Prentice on Friday, the signatories state: “We strongly believe that a thorough and transparent investigation into the wider circumstances of this damaging episode is essential.” The letter highlights the “toxic and frequently racist commentary” that has accompanied media coverage, warning that it could deter Black academics from applying to Cambridge.
The academics request that Prentice appoint an independent body comprising senior academics from within and beyond Cambridge, with a clear timeline and a commitment to share findings publicly. The signatories include notable figures such as Suchitra Sebastian, professor of physics; Mónica Figueroa, professor of sociology; Timothy Gowers, a Fields Medal winner; and Nicholas Guyatt, professor of North American history.
University's response and review
Cambridge's statement on Friday said: “Jason Arday has resigned from his post at the university with immediate effect. Regardless of this, and for clarification, the university will continue to investigate the circumstances around Jason Arday’s appointment and tenure.” The findings will inform a review of the appointment process for senior academic roles, and the research policy committee will review misconduct policies.
However, the academics' letter insists that the university's response does not go far enough. They demand details of any risk assessment made when crafting a media narrative focusing on Arday's youth, race, and transformative potential, as well as the handling of allegations of academic misconduct, including whether the university deterred journalists from reporting.
Jesus College drops parallel process
Meanwhile, Jesus College, where Arday was a fellow, has dropped its plans for a parallel investigation. Sonita Alleyne, the college's master, told staff: “Because Professor Arday’s college fellowship was contingent on his university appointment, his resignation brought his fellowship to an end. The college’s acceptance of his resignation concludes the process announced in last night’s statement.”
Alleyne added: “This is a very difficult time for Professor Arday and his family. As he requested in his resignation letter, we hope that they are now afforded peace and privacy.” One Cambridge academic said the message showed the university wanted to “draw a line” under the affair, but the signatories argue that only a full independent investigation can address the damage done.
Background and impact
Arday's resignation follows weeks of media scrutiny, beginning with plagiarism accusations and questions over claims about endurance running, charity fundraising, and confrontations with masked assailants. Cambridge initially defended Arday as “the victim of a vile campaign” before announcing an internal investigation, which led to his resignation.
The academics' letter warns that the episode has the potential to set back progress on addressing historical underrepresentation and to deter Black academics from applying to Cambridge. They call for an evaluation of the “enormous damage this episode has done to people of colour within and beyond the Cambridge academic community” and immediate steps to reassure them that anti-racism and academic integrity are mutually reinforcing.
