Cambridge review into Jason Arday post will be independent, university says

Prof Deborah Prentice, vice-chancellor of the University of Cambridge, has acknowledged the concerns surrounding the appointment of Jason Arday, a recently resigned professor of sociology of education. In a letter to staff, Prentice explained that the university's investigation into his appointment and tenure at Cambridge would be independent and conducted by senior academics from within and outside the institution. The inquiry will commence at the earliest opportunity and aim to be thorough and transparent.

Arday, who became Cambridge's youngest-ever black professor in 2023, was accused of plagiarism and questioned about his achievements. The 41-year-old denies the plagiarism allegations, stating that the recent controversy has resulted in relentless public scrutiny and personal attacks. Prentice emphasized that the university values staff of color for their scholarship, achievements, and contributions, and the case should not be used to undermine their work or the legitimacy of their roles at Cambridge.

LJMU, which awarded Arday's PhD in 2015, had previously investigated the plagiarism allegations and found him not guilty. Arday has defended himself by citing inadequate supervision during his PhD due to his autism and learning disabilities. The university has advised individuals to contact the relevant institution or submit complaints.

However, following the university's own investigation announcement, some academics have called for an independent inquiry, questioning the university's ability to examine its own processes adequately. It remains unclear how the independent investigation will be structured or who will lead it.

Arday's previous roles include teaching PE and earning his doctorate at LJMU. He subsequently held associate professor positions at Durham University and served as a professor of sociology of education at the University of Glasgow, where a review into his past academic post is also underway. When resigning from Cambridge, Arday maintained that he was not a liar and that his resignation should not be misconstrued as acceptance of the narratives surrounding him.