Thousands gather in London vigil honouring former Cambridge professor Jason Arday
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Thousands attended a vigil in central London on Monday for Jason Arday, a former University of Cambridge sociology professor found dead on Friday after weeks of scrutiny over plagiarism accusations. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham described his death as 'a tragedy on so many levels.' The vigil came even as Cambridge University pledged to investigate the circumstances of his appointment and academic work.
Key Facts
- Thousands attended a vigil for Jason Arday in Trafalgar Square on Monday, August 17.
- Arday, 41, was found dead on Friday after resigning on August 5 amid plagiarism allegations he denied.
- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham described Arday's death as 'a tragedy on so many levels.'
- Cambridge University pledged on Wednesday to investigate the circumstances of Arday's appointment and academic work.
- Arday's family said he had been the victim of misinformation and harassment before his death.
The Vigil
Thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square in central London on Monday, August 17. People carried flowers and placards, some reading 'Rest In Power Professor Jason Arday.' Campaign group Stand up to Racism organised the vigil to honour Arday. Trafalgar Square is a historic centre for protest in the British capital.
Arday's Resignation and Death
Arday resigned on August 5 after a former researcher accused him of plagiarism in his PhD thesis. He denied the allegation but acknowledged making mistakes. The plagiarism allegations drew huge media interest, leading to questions about other elements of his life, including claims he made about his career, personal life and medical conditions. Arday, once hailed as Cambridge's youngest Black professor, was found dead on Friday aged 41. His family said on Friday that he had been the victim of misinformation and harassment.
University and Political Reaction
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham described Arday's death as 'a tragedy on so many levels.' Cambridge University pledged on Wednesday to investigate the circumstances of his appointment and his academic work. Cambridge University Chancellor Chris Smith defended the university's approach in a BBC interview. Smith said it is possible to hold to two principles at the same time: to believe in the importance of academic integrity and to refuse to join in a racist feeding frenzy over a particular academic. Critics argued the university was so keen to hire a Black academic that it failed to check Arday's credentials sufficiently and did not respond appropriately when the plagiarism claims emerged.
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Thousands gather in London vigil honouring former Cambridge professor Jason Arday
