Cambridge chancellor comments on public reaction to academic's death

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Cambridge University Chancellor Chris Smith condemned a "racist feeding frenzy" surrounding Professor Jason Arday following the academic's death on August 14 at age 41. Arday, the university's youngest Black professor, had resigned on August 5 after facing plagiarism accusations and criticism regarding his professional achievements. Following his death, activist groups including Stand Up To Racism organized vigils, while a petition demanding a public inquiry into the media coverage of the case garnered over 83,000 signatures. Political figures, including Prime Minister Andy Burnham and MP James Cleverly, acknowledged the tragedy, with the latter citing failures in university due diligence as a contributing factor.

Consequences

The university faces mounting scrutiny and a formal investigation into the circumstances of Arday's appointment and tenure. Additionally, the government is under public pressure to launch an inquiry into the role of press coverage in the academic's death, though Downing Street has yet to commit to such action.

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