Cambridge head slams ‘feeding frenzy’ over dead academic

In a statement to the BBC on Monday, Cambridge University's chancellor Chris Smith strongly condemned the "racist feeding frenzy" that erupted following plagiarism allegations against the university's youngest ever black professor, Jason Arday. Arday, who was 41, was found dead last week after resigning from his post following the widespread media coverage of the plagiarism accusations.

Smith emphasized the importance of thoroughly investigating the plagiarism claims while simultaneously refusing to join the racially motivated frenzy surrounding Arday's alleged misconduct. The 41-year-old academic had reportedly reached the breaking point, stating he had endured "the limits of what any person should reasonably be expected to endure."

On Friday, Arday's body was discovered at his home in London, a tragedy that Prime Minister Andy Burnham, a former Cambridge student, described as having multiple levels of sorrow. Arday's family has accused a misinformation campaign of fueling the plagiarism allegations, and an online fundraising page for his family had already raised over £146,000 (approximately US$198,000) by Monday morning.

A petition demanding a public inquiry into the media coverage of Arday had gathered nearly 32,400 signatures by Monday. The advocacy group Stand Up To Racism planned to hold vigils in London's Trafalgar Square and Cambridge to protest the media treatment of the case. The Cambridge University scandal also raised questions about the university's handling of the allegations and the treatment of Arday.

Right-wing opposition MP James Cleverly suggested that some scrutiny of Arday's actions might have been motivated by racism. However, he argued that the situation would never have reached such a critical point if the university establishment had conducted proper due diligence and screened senior academic candidates more rigorously. Arday's tenure at the university was recently reviewed by vice-chancellor Deborah Prentice, who announced an investigation into his appointment and time at the institution prior to his death.