Academics call for independent inquiry into Jason Arday's Cambridge appointment

The University of Cambridge will conduct a review of its process for appointing senior academics following the resignation of Jason Arday amid a plagiarism scandal. Arday, an education professor and Jesus College fellow, has faced accusations of fabricating or exaggerating elements of his CV, including allegations of plagiarism in his academic work. He has defended himself, stating that his autism and lack of adequate supervision may have contributed to any errors.

A group of academics, including Priyamvada Gopal, a professor of postcolonial studies at Cambridge, has called for an independent inquiry into Arday's appointment. Gopal expressed concern over the university's response, stating that sweeping the issue under the carpet would not be an option. She suggested a mix of senior academics from Cambridge and elsewhere to conduct the investigation.

Cambridge acknowledged public commentary and concerns and pledged to continue investigating the circumstances surrounding Arday's appointment and tenure. The Jesus College welcomed the review, noting that Arday's role there was contingent on his university position. Other institutions, such as the University of Glasgow and Liverpool John Moores University, have also commissioned their own reviews of Arday's appointment and academic qualifications.

Arday's claims of significant achievements, including earning 1.4 million for his upcoming memoir, have been met with skepticism, with publishing insiders casting doubt on such figures. The controversy has sparked discussions about whether Arday was unfairly scrutinized due to his race, with some academics arguing that he was treated differently to other academics because of his ethnicity.