Thousands mourn ex-Cambridge professor Jason Arday in London vigil

A vigil was held in central London on Monday evening for the memory of Jason Arday, the black academic who took his own life last week. The gathering in Trafalgar Square came as Cambridge University's chancellor, Chris Smith, condemned the "racist feeding frenzy" that fueled the plagiarism allegations against Arday. Arday, who became Cambridge's youngest black professor in 2023 at the age of 41, was found dead on Friday at the age of 41.

He had been accused of plagiarism and exaggerating aspects of his personal life. Arday's family, though absent from the vigil, released a statement thanking supporters for their "love, support and grief." They described Arday as a "selfless and gentle soul" whose achievements were overshadowed by public cruelty. MPs Diane Abbott, the first black woman elected to the UK parliament, and others spoke at the rally, organized by Stand Up To Racism, condemning the targeting of Arday and emphasizing that his death was not just a case of academic misconduct but a broader attack on society.

The cause of Arday's death remains unconfirmed by police, though it was stated to be non-suspicious and pending coroner's review. His family thanked attendees for their support, emphasizing that the cruelty Arday faced was unbearable for any person. The vigil in Cambridge, as well as an online fundraising page and petition, garnered widespread attention and support, with over £174,000 raised and more than 90,000 signatures collected calling for a public inquiry into the media coverage of Arday's case.