Hundreds attend emotional Cambridge vigil for Jason Arday

More than 200 people gathered for an emotional vigil in Cambridge to honor the life of Jason Arday, a former professor who was found dead in Battersea, London. Arday, 41, resigned from his position as a sociology of education professor after allegations of plagiarism and questions about his achievements. He vehemently denied these claims, and his family said the barrage of misinformation was too much for him to bear.

Shahnaaz Khan, a PhD student at the Faculty of Education, delivered a powerful message at the vigil. She urged attendees to hold onto the pain of others and to stand together in solidarity. "Look around you today, talk to someone you don't know and hold their pain with yours," she said. "Hold your friends close and know that we stand strong because we stand together."

The vigil was organized by Arday's postdoctoral students and was held on Sunday afternoon. Khan emphasized that while there is a time for anger, today is not that day. Instead, the focus is on celebrating Arday's life and the impact he had on those around him. "Today we share the ways Jason made a difference in our lives and in the lives of those around us," Khan said. "There would be a promise to seek justice for him."

Another student at the vigil stated that "Racism did this." She reflected on how for many, Cambridge symbolized an arrival, a place where they believed they would belong. However, Arday's death and the smear campaign against him highlight that for some, belonging remains elusive. An institution may provide a room and title, but may still question one's right to speak.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell expressed deep shock and sadness over Arday's passing. She urged people to remember that there are real people with loved ones involved. Vigils for Arday are planned in both Cambridge and London on Monday evening.