Thousands gather in London to honor late Cambridge professor Jason Arday

Thousands gather in London to honor late Cambridge professor Jason Arday

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Thousands gather in London to honor late Cambridge professor Jason Arday
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Labour MP Diane Abbott speaks during a vigil for former Cambridge professor Jason Arday in Trafalgar Square on August 17, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. Arday, 41, was found dead at his home in London on August 14, days after he resigned from his position as professor of sociology of education at Cambridge, amid accusations of plagiarism, which he denied. The vigil was organized by the campaign group Stand Up to Racism, which has said Arday’s death was the “result of a racist witch-hunt.” At age 37 Arday was the youngest ever Black professor appointed at the University of Cambridge. The British institution is facing criticism over it’s handling of Arday’s appointment and subsequent resignation. (Photo by Alishia Abodunde/Getty Images)

Mourners remembered Arday’s legacy while criticizing the media scrutiny he faced before his death.

Thousands gathered at London’s Trafalgar Square to remember former Cambridge professor Jason Arday, who died aged 41 days after resigning amid a plagiarism controversy. Arday became Cambridge’s youngest-ever Black professor when he was appointed in 2023.

Many attendees came carrying flowers and placards honoring Arday. The vigil also became an expression of anger toward the media coverage surrounding the academic, according to Al Jazeera. Some mourners accused British media outlets of subjecting Arday to a disproportionate and racist campaign following allegations of plagiarism and questions about aspects of his academic and professional background.

Arday had denied plagiarism allegations while acknowledging errors in his work. He resigned from his Cambridge position on August 5, saying the relentless accusations and public commentary had taken a profound toll on him and his family. He was found unresponsive at his home in Battersea, south London, on August 14. The Metropolitan Police said his death was unexpected but was not believed to be suspicious. His cause of death has not been publicly released.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Flowers are laid during a vigil for former Cambridge professor Jason Arday in Trafalgar Square on August 17, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. Arday, 41, was found dead at his home in London on August 14, days after he resigned from his position as professor of sociology of education at Cambridge, amid accusations of plagiarism, which he denied. The vigil was organized by the campaign group Stand Up to Racism, which has said Arday’s death was the “result of a racist witch-hunt.” At age 37 Arday was the youngest ever Black professor appointed at the University of Cambridge. The British institution is facing criticism over it’s handling of Arday’s appointment and subsequent resignation. (Photo by Alishia Abodunde/Getty Images)

The controversy surrounding Arday began after Cambridge academic Nathan Cofnas accused him of plagiarism and questioned aspects of his biography. Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded Arday his doctorate, said it had cleared him of plagiarism. Cambridge subsequently opened a review of his appointment as the controversy continued.

At Monday’s vigil, mourners held signs reading “Rest in power Professor Jason Arday” and “Stop racist media now.” A petition calling for a public inquiry into the media’s conduct had gathered more than 96,000 signatures by Monday. The petition argues that press harassment contributed directly to Arday’s death. Media analysis organisation NewsCord reportedly counted 249 UK media articles about Arday during the 22 days before his death, including 188 in the nine days following his resignation.

Several prominent Black British figures attended the vigil, including politicians Diane Abbott and Dawn Butler, filmmaker Misan Harriman and singer Beverley Knight. Abbott said Arday had been a “lovely, kind, and brilliant man” and claimed the media campaign had contributed to his death. Knight described the coverage as the destruction of a talented man and told mourners that the gathering represented unity and solidarity.

Arday’s family did not attend the vigil, but their statement was read by Bell Ribeiro-Addy, their Member of Parliament. The family described Arday as a “selfless and gentle soul” who dedicated himself to uplifting others. They also said the public cruelty he experienced had been too much for anyone to bear.

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