The Committee for Academic Freedom has launched a separate investigation into the University of Cambridge’s 2023 appointment of sociologist Jason Arday, assembling a review panel that includes Stephen Pinker from Harvard University, Robert Tombs from Cambridge, Alice Sullivan from University College London, and Maurice Glasman, a Labour life peer and former professor.
Arday resigned from his Cambridge professorship following plagiarism allegations and subsequent intense public scrutiny. He was found dead in his home on Aug. 14. Cambridge has initiated its own independent review under Vice Chancellor Deborah Prentice, but critics question whether the investigation will be sufficiently rigorous.
The CAF-commissioned review was prompted by concerns that Cambridge’s investigation altered its focus and language after Arday’s death. Specifically, the organization objected to Cambridge’s emphasis on the “appalling period of external criticism” Arday experienced, arguing this phrasing could prejudge the legitimacy of earlier scrutiny. Swaran Singh, a professor of social and community psychiatry at Warwick and Conservative life peer, will chair the CAF panel, with journalist Nick Wallis leading the investigative work.
The CAF review is expected to complete its work within four to six months but lacks statutory authority to compel testimony. Edward Skidelsky, director of CAF, stated the review begins without predetermined conclusions and addresses broader questions about how institutional priorities influence academic recruitment and promotion decisions. Freddie Attenborough, CAF’s research and communications manager, indicated that the case reflects recurring concerns raised by academics regarding equality and diversity initiatives in university hiring processes, particularly questions about whether such policies align with equality law and academic merit standards.
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