Senior academics at the University of Cambridge are circulating a joint letter calling for an independent inquiry into the appointment of Jason Arday as professor of sociology of education, asserting that university leaders bear responsibility for the "grotesque racism" unleashed by the controversy. The Guardian has learned that the letter, organized by a group of dons, demands scrutiny of the appointment process and the circumstances surrounding Arday's selection, with many suggesting the university sought a "quick fix" to enhance staff diversity.
Appointment and Resignation
Arday, appointed at age 37 in 2023, resigned on Wednesday after weeks of public allegations, including plagiarism in his PhD thesis, exaggerated academic appointments, and disputed charity fundraising claims. His memoir, set for release in the US and UK, reportedly earned him a $1.4 million advance from Simon & Schuster, detailing his extraordinary journey from being non-verbal until age 11.
The academics' letter, which includes external members for independent status, points to concerns over the appointment committee and prior disputes within the faculty of education. Priyamvada Gopal, professor of postcolonial studies and a key organizer, stated: "An independent investigation must scrutinise how such an early-career appointment to a very senior and prestigious professorial chair was made and what both the faculty of education and university management may have got very badly wrong."
University Responsibility
Gopal emphasized that the university bears "no little responsibility for the grotesque racism which this whole business has unleashed," and called for accountability, not a cover-up. She criticized the university for "cutting corners" on fostering equality by opting for a media-friendly appointment, questioning whether the university sought public kudos rather than teaching and research contributions.
Other academics expressed surprise at Arday's appointment, with one sociologist admitting to never having heard of him before: "When it was announced I looked for his body of work, and it was disappointing to say the least." Gopal noted the "highly unusual" nature of appointing an early-career academic to such a senior post, and called for more robust and transparent procedures for handling academic misconduct.
Fallout and Distancing
Initially, the university defended Arday as "the victim of a vile campaign," but on Wednesday announced a fresh investigation after receiving "new information" about his qualifications. Arday resigned shortly after, stating: "I no longer wish to feel as though I am living under a constant spotlight, where every aspect of my life is subject to public examination and judgment."
Since then, the university, Jesus College, and the faculty of education have deleted Arday's staff profiles. His speaking engagements have been removed from websites, including the Association of British Insurers' 2025 conference and an October appearance in Arizona. Simon & Schuster's speakers bureau still lists him as "an internationally sought-after speaker."
The controversy has raised broader questions about diversity appointments and the pressures on young Black academics, with Gopal urging the university to address the consequences of placing individuals in highly visible roles before they are ready to withstand scrutiny.
