Cambridge head slams 'feeding frenzy' over dead academic

LONDON, August 17 — The head of Cambridge University, Chris Smith, has denounced a "racist feeding frenzy" that erupted following plagiarism allegations against Dr. Jason Arday, the university's youngest-ever black professor. Arday was discovered dead last week, after he had resigned from his position due to the accusations. Upon the news of Arday's death, Smith expressed the belief that it was crucial to conduct a thorough investigation into the plagiarism claims.

However, he also asserted the necessity of refraining from participating in the racial prejudice that had gripped the university community over the academic's death. Prior to his death, Arday had resigned on August 5, following the widespread media coverage of the plagiarism accusations. The 41-year-old academic had stated that he had reached the point where any person should "reasonably expect to endure".

On Friday, Arday's body was found at his residence in London, which the Prime Minister of the UK, Andy Burnham, a former Cambridge student, described as "a tragedy on so many levels". Arday's family has suggested that the situation was fueled by a "misinformation campaign". A fundraising page established for Arday's family had amassed over £146,000 (RM804,803) by the morning of the report.

A petition calling for a public inquiry into the media coverage of Arday had amassed nearly 32,400 signatures by the time of the report. The group "Stand Up To Racism" was set to hold vigils in London's Trafalgar Square and Cambridge. The university was also under scrutiny for its handling of the allegations and the manner in which Arday had been treated.

James Cleverly, a conservative opposition MP with a mother born in Sierra Leone, suggested during the BBC interview that "quite possibly" some scrutiny of Arday might have been racially motivated. However, he also pointed out that the situation would not have escalated as it had if the university establishment, specifically within Cambridge, had carried out the "robust due diligence and checking" that should be carried out with any senior academic appointment.

Prior to the announcement of Arday's death, Cambridge's vice-chancellor, Deborah Prentice, had announced an investigation into the circumstances of Arday's appointment and his time at the university.