Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Burnham Urges Reflection After Death of Ex-Cambridge Professor Jason Arday
Jason Arday was a professor at Cambridge, a very famous university.
He became the youngest Black professor there in 2023.
Before he died, some people said he copied other people's work and made up stories about his life.
Mr. Arday said that was not fair and that he was being picked on because of his skin color.
His family said he was treated badly for a long time.
He was found dead on Friday, and police say nobody is suspected of doing anything wrong.
The prime minister said people should think carefully and not rush to judge.
Many people left flowers at the university gates to show they were sorry.
Doctors will find out exactly how he died.
People hope we can all learn to be kind and fight against prejudice.
Jason Arday, 41, a former University of Cambridge professor, was found dead on Friday, nine days after resigning amid plagiarism and embellishment allegations.
His family said he had been subjected to a 'campaign of sustained abuse' since becoming Cambridge's youngest Black professor in 2023.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged people not to 'rush to judgment,' calling the death 'a tragedy on so many levels.'
Police are treating the death as unexpected but not suspicious, with a coroner's inquest to formally determine the cause.
Supporters decried a 'racist witch hunt,' while critics, including James Cleverly, said Cambridge had placed Arday in positions he was 'clearly not qualified for.'
- Who
- Jason Arday, 41, former professor of sociology of education at the University of Cambridge; his family; Prime Minister Andy Burnham; and the Metropolitan Police.
- What
- Arday was found dead after resigning from Cambridge University and Jesus College amid plagiarism and embellishment allegations, which his family and supporters said stemmed from a racist campaign against him.
- When
- He was found dead on Friday, August 14, nine days after resigning on August 5.
- Where
- At an address in south London, where the Metropolitan Police were called on Friday afternoon; flowers were left at the university gates in Cambridge.
- Why
- He had faced weeks of media and academic scrutiny over plagiarism and disputed life achievements; his family and supporters said the sustained abuse and harassment became too much for him.
Supporters and family: racist campaign
Critics: legitimate scrutiny
Nature of the scrutiny
Supporters and family: racist campaign
Arday's family and Stand Up to Racism said he was subjected to a 'racist witch hunt' and a campaign of sustained abuse by right-wing media, politicians and the far right.
Critics: legitimate scrutiny
Academics including Nathan Cofnas and newspapers including The Times, The Guardian and The Telegraph investigated what they presented as genuine claims of plagiarism and disputed life achievements.
Role of DEI policies
Supporters and family: racist campaign
National Education Union general secretary Daniel Kebede said questions about Arday's credibility 'unleashed a tirade of racism' and that the effect tells Black people that entering prominent public positions makes them a target.
Critics: legitimate scrutiny
Right-wing commentators claimed Arday unfairly benefited from diversity, equality and inclusion policies; former Conservative home secretary James Cleverly said institutions put him in positions he was 'clearly not qualified for.'
Personal character and vulnerability
Supporters and family: racist campaign
Colleagues described a gentle, vulnerable man diagnosed with autism who faced relentless ridicule and deserved safeguarding and support.
Critics: legitimate scrutiny
Critics portrayed him as a liar and fantasist over his claimed achievements, though Arday said he was wrongly 'portrayed to be a liar and a fantasist.'
- Age
- 41
- Former role
- Professor of sociology of education at the University of Cambridge and fellow of Jesus College
- Resignation
- August 5, nine days before his death
- Discovery
- Found unresponsive on Friday afternoon at an address in south London
- Death status
- Treated as unexpected but not suspicious; coroner to determine cause at an inquest
- Fundraising
- Over £11,000 ($15,000) raised via Patrick Vernon's crowdfunding page for Arday's family
- Vigils
- Planned in London on Sunday and Monday evenings
- Background
- Diagnosed with autism; non-verbal until age 11; became Cambridge's youngest Black professor in 2023
