A group of Cambridge academics has rejected the university's response to the controversy over the appointment of Jason Arday as a professor, calling for a thorough and transparent independent investigation. The university had announced a review into its vetting and hiring procedures for senior academic staff in an effort to quell criticism.
University's review and academic backlash
In a statement on Friday, Cambridge said it would continue to investigate the circumstances around Arday's appointment and tenure, with findings feeding into a review of the appointment process for senior academic roles. It also noted that its research policy committee will review the misconduct in research policy.
However, a group of nearly 100 senior academics, including professors Suchitra Sebastian, Mónica Figueroa, Timothy Gowers, Nicholas Guyatt, Mary Laven, Anuj Dawar, and Clair Wills, have signed a letter to Vice-Chancellor Prof Deborah Prentice, stating: "We strongly believe that a thorough and transparent investigation into the wider circumstances of this damaging episode is essential."
Letter highlights toxic commentary
The letter highlights the "toxic and frequently racist commentary" accompanying media coverage, warning that "these manifestly false claims have the potential to set back the modest progress Cambridge has made in addressing historical underrepresentation, and to deter any Black academic from applying for or accepting a position at the university in the future."
The signatories ask Prentice to appoint an independent body comprising senior academics from within and beyond Cambridge to address these issues, with a clear timeline and a commitment to share findings with the university and the public.
Independent investigation demands
They want an investigation into the circumstances of Arday's appointment, any risk assessment made by the university's management "when crafting a media narrative focusing on his youth, his race, and his transformative potential," and details of the university's handling of allegations of academic misconduct against Arday, including whether it was involved in efforts to deter journalists from reporting on the allegations.
The university has denied supporting Arday's efforts to stop publication of critical coverage in the Times Higher magazine last year, or funding his use of lawyers.
Jesus College concludes process
Arday resigned on Wednesday after intense media scrutiny over his claims, which included accusations of plagiarism and questions over his personal and professional statements. Cambridge initially defended him as "the victim of a vile campaign" before announcing an internal investigation.
Jesus College, where Arday was a fellow, has said it will drop its previously announced plans for a parallel process. In a message to staff, Master Sonita Alleyne said that because Arday's fellowship was contingent on his university appointment, his resignation brought it to an end, and the college's acceptance of his resignation concludes the process.
