LONDON — Britain’s prime minister, Andy Burnham, called for reflection after a Black professor, Jason Arday, who faced plagiarism accusations, died suddenly. Arday, 41, was found dead in south London on Friday. He had resigned from his position as professor of sociology of education at the University of Cambridge on August 5.

Plagiarism Allegations

Arday faced intense media scrutiny over allegations of plagiarism in his academic work and questions surrounding his athletic and fundraising accomplishments. He denied plagiarism but admitted to some mistakes when working on his doctorate.

Cambridge vice chancellor Deborah Prentice announced that the university will investigate the circumstances around Arday’s employment. Prentice said she was ‘desperately saddened’ by the news.

Reaction to Arday’s Death

Arday’s family said he was subjected to a ‘campaign of harassment’ and ‘sustained abuse’ since he took up his post at Cambridge. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said Arday was the victim of a ‘pernicious public shaming’ that others in his position would not have faced.

Former Conservative home secretary James Cleverly wrote that academic institutions ‘have serious questions to answer’ regarding Arday’s appointment and treatment.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.