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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for “reflection” on Saturday after the death of Jason Arday, whose family denounced years of unrelenting harassment following plagiarism accusations.
Arday, 41, died on Friday—just nine days after resigning as Cambridge’s youngest Black professor amid institutional probes into his work.
His family stated that he had been “subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse for more than three years,” adding that the pressure “was too much for Jason, who was a gentle man.”
Speaking to reporters, Burnham cautioned that “this is not a moment for any rushing to judgement,” calling the situation “a tragedy on so many levels” and “a moment for reflection… reflecting on how things came to this.”
The scandal erupted last month when critics accused Arday of plagiarising portions of his doctoral thesis and embellishing his personal achievements.
Before his death, Arday denied dishonesty, explaining that early academic errors stemmed from learning differences linked to his autism and asserting, “I am being portrayed to be a liar and a fantasist.”
While right-wing commentators used the allegations to criticise diversity policies, anti-racism campaigners and colleagues condemned the relentless public scrutiny.
Simon Baron-Cohen, director of Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre, revealed he spoke to Arday hours before his death, noting the academic “felt he couldn’t go on” under the constant ridicule.
Police treat the death as unexpected but non-suspicious, while Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice urged that “this painful and difficult time can also be one of compassion.”
