Cambridge chancellor criticises 'racist feeding frenzy' around Jason Arday
Cambridge University Chancellor Lord Chris Smith has condemned the 'racist feeding frenzy' surrounding the late Professor Jason Arday following plagiarism allegations. While supporting academic integrity, Smith criticized the intensity of the media scrutiny that preceded Arday's death.
Why it matters
The case raises critical questions about the intersection of academic accountability, media ethics, and racial bias in public discourse.
By Branwen Jeffreys , Education Editor and Vicky Wong Published 17 August 2026, 09:40 BST Updated 52 minutes ago Cambridge University's chancellor has criticised the "racist feeding frenzy" around Jason Arday, the professor who died after stepping down during a plagiarism row.
Arday - who became the university's youngest black professor when appointed in 2023 - had faced weeks of media coverage over plagiarism allegations and questions about his achievements. He denied the claims.
Speaking publicly for the first time, Lord Chris Smith said academic integrity could be upheld while questioning Arday's treatment.
Thousands of people have signed a Good Law Project petition seeking an inquiry into coverage of Arday, which says his death followed "two weeks of relentless harassment".
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Addressing the row publicly for the first time, Lord Chris Smith has criticised the "racist feeding frenzy" that surrounded Jason Arday.
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