Cambridge University announced it is conducting an investigation into Jason Arday, a sociology professor, after receiving what the institution described as new information regarding his academic credentials and professional history. The inquiry follows months of scrutiny over various claims made by Arday, who was appointed as the youngest Black professor in Cambridge’s history in early 2023.
Arday initially faced plagiarism allegations involving his PhD thesis and other academic work late last year. Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded his doctorate in 2015, completed its own review and concluded the discrepancies were likely caused by honest error rather than intentional misconduct. Arday has consistently rejected the plagiarism accusations, citing multiple institutional reviews that cleared him of wrongdoing.
The Guardian published an investigation that identified discrepancies between Arday’s public biographical claims and verifiable facts. These included assertions about holding visiting professorships at several universities, including Ohio State University, which has denied any employment relationship with Arday. His biographies have also listed visiting appointments at Durham, Glasgow, Coventry, London Metropolitan, and Nelson Mandela universities.
Additionally, questions have been raised about other claims in Arday’s public profile, including statements about completing athletic feats and raising substantial charitable funds. Arday subsequently revised some of these claims after facing scrutiny. He also reported being targeted by violent threats following his Cambridge appointment, though investigations found no corroborating evidence for these incidents.
Cambridge’s decision to investigate came after initially defending Arday against what the university characterized as a malicious campaign. Jesus College, where Arday holds a fellowship, announced it would launch a parallel process while maintaining support for him during the inquiry. The university stated it would ensure the investigation adheres to established policies and employment law. Arday’s memoir is scheduled for publication later this month.
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