More than 31,000 people have signed a petition urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to launch a public inquiry into a media campaign against former Cambridge University professor Jason Arday.
The petition, organized by the campaign group Good Law Project, was started two days after the 41-year-old academic was found dead at his home in Battersea, south London. Many Members of Parliament are among those who have signed the appeal.
Three years ago, Arday made history when he became the youngest Black professor ever appointed at the University of Cambridge, one of the oldest higher education institutions in the world. The Good Law Project had been providing support to Arday following his resignation in early August from both the university and his position as a fellow at Jesus College, one of Cambridge's constituent colleges.
Resignation and media allegations
Arday stepped down after both Cambridge University and Jesus College opened formal investigations into allegations regarding his academic work and personal background. The inquiries focused on claims of plagiarism as well as accusations that he had exaggerated or fabricated details of his personal history.
Several British newspapers subsequently published investigations into Arday's background. In addition to scrutinizing his academic publications, media reports questioned personal statements he had made, including his claim that he ran 30 marathons within 35 days to raise money for charity.
Critics and right-wing commentators in the British press published numerous articles alleging that Arday had unfairly benefited from institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Arday consistently denied all allegations made against him.
Police investigation and campaign claims
Arday was found dead on Friday at his home in Battersea, a residential area located in south London. Metropolitan Police officers investigating the scene stated that the death is not currently being treated as suspicious, with initial evidence indicating natural causes or suicide. Police emphasized that inquiries remain ongoing to establish the definitive cause of death.
Following his death, the Good Law Project published a statement on its website asserting that Arday's tragic death was the direct, foreseeable, and expected consequence of a media pursuit campaign. The organization argued that the color of his skin played a decisive role in the target placed upon him.
The group also stated that numerous campaign signatories had previously issued private warnings to several media outlets, warning that relentless pressure against Arday risked driving him to suicide. Relatives and close friends of the professor have similarly condemned the intense media coverage.
Origins of plagiarism accusations
Public scrutiny surrounding Arday intensified in July after academic Nathan Cofnas publicly alleged that he had identified multiple instances of plagiarism across Arday's published work. Cofnas, who describes himself as a race realist, was previously removed from his position at Cambridge University in 2024 following allegations of racism.
Allegations had also been raised regarding Arday's doctoral dissertation. However, a formal investigation conducted by the University of Liverpool into his PhD thesis concluded that no plagiarism had occurred. Supporters of Arday maintained that the meticulous examination of his career and personal life was driven in part by racial prejudice.
Prime Minister response and London vigil
Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed the situation yesterday, describing the death of the former professor as a tragedy. The Prime Minister's comments come as pressure grows from signatories and lawmakers demanding a formal government review into the conduct of the press during the affair.
A public inquiry in the United Kingdom is a formal review requested by the government to investigate matters of public concern and establish accountability. Supporters are seeking an examination into how media reporting impacted Arday's health and career.
A vigil in memory of Arday will take place on Monday evening at Trafalgar Square in central London, where friends, colleagues, and members of the public are expected to gather.
