Ex-Cambridge professor accused of plagiarism found dead

Former University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday, who was recently accused of plagiarism, has been found dead, UK media reported on Friday. Arday, 41, was discovered unresponsive at his south London home, according to the Metropolitan Police. The plagiarism allegations against Arday, who became the university's youngest black professor in 2023, have been widely covered by British right-wing media, who argue that he benefited unfairly from diversity, equality and inclusion policies.

Arday resigned from his positions at Cambridge on August 5, after the university announced an investigation into the accusations. He stated at the time that quitting was "the only way" to end a "difficult period", but affirmed that his decision should not be misconstrued as acceptance of the surrounding narratives. The university's top administrator called Arday's alleged misconduct an "aberration" and pledged a thorough investigation, stressing that it should not be used to unfairly target other ethnic minority academics.

The police have not confirmed Arday's identity in their statement, noting that the death is being treated as unexpected and not suspicious. The case is under investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Central South Command Unit, with a file to be prepared for the coroner.