Cambridge's youngest Black professor resigns amid plagiarism probe

Jason Arday, who became the University of Cambridge's youngest Black professor in 2023, has resigned amid an investigation into "new information" about his academic qualifications and honorary appointments Source: AP News. Arday, 37 at appointment, announced his decision late Wednesday, saying the "relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love" Source: BBC. His resignation came after weeks of allegations of plagiarism in his PhD thesis and other research, as well as questions about his claims of athletic and fundraising feats Source: Al Jazeera.

The allegations

The Times of London reported that it submitted fresh evidence to Cambridge suggesting large parts of Arday's research were "fabricated" and contained "impossible" evidence Source: BBC. Arday has consistently denied plagiarism and fabrication, admitting only to some "mistakes" Source: CNN. Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded Arday's doctorate, previously investigated plagiarism claims but did not uphold them, attributing issues to "honest and reasonable error" Source: Al Jazeera. Cambridge initially defended Arday, calling the claims a "vile smear campaign," but later opened its own inquiry Source: The Guardian.

The reaction

Cambridge academics are circulating a letter demanding an independent inquiry into the appointment process, with some suggesting the university sought a "quick fix" to improve diversity Source: The Guardian. Priyamvada Gopal, a Cambridge professor, said the university bears responsibility for the "grotesque racism" unleashed by the affair Source: The Guardian. Arday's resignation also raises questions about his forthcoming memoir, "Great and Unfortunate Things," which Simon & Schuster plans to publish despite the controversy Source: The Guardian. Arday has claimed he was paid "1.4 million" for the book, though the publisher has not confirmed the sum Source: The Guardian.