Cambridge: Professor Jason Arday resigns after being accused of plagiarism

Jason Arday has announced his resignation from the University of Cambridge following the launch of several investigations into his academic record. The professor of sociology of education is accused, in particular, of plagiarizing certain passages of his doctoral thesis, which he denies.

Appointed in 2023 at the age of 37, he was presented at the time as the youngest Black professor in Cambridge's history. Questions have since been raised concerning some of the qualifications and distinctions mentioned in his academic record. The university and Jesus College, to which he belonged, have each launched their own investigations.

A case riddled with accusations of racism

Jason Arday maintains that his resignation, effective immediately, does not constitute an admission of guilt regarding the accusations against him. He explains that he made this decision to end a period that had become unbearable on a human level and believes that part of the extensive review of his career was motivated by racism.

A petition in his support garnered approximately 15,500 signatures, including those of academics, members of parliament, and the leader of the British Green Party, Zack Polanski. The case is now fueling debates about diversity policies and recruitment criteria at major British universities, while proceedings for possible academic misconduct continue.