politics
Dons call for Cambridge leaders to take blame for Jason Arday appointment
Exclusive: Academics call for inquiry, saying university must be held accountable for ‘grotesque racism unleashed’
TL;DR
- Academics are demanding an independent inquiry into the University of Cambridge's leadership and appointment processes concerning Professor Jason Arday.
- Concerns have been raised about the speed and circumstances of Arday's appointment to a senior professorial chair, given his relatively limited research and publications.
- Critics suggest the university prioritized a "quick fix" for diversity over thorough vetting, leading to issues like plagiarism allegations and exaggerated claims.
- The academics argue the university is responsible for the "grotesque racism unleashed" by the controversy, impacting Black academics and critical race studies.
- Arday resigned amid allegations of plagiarism, exaggerated appointments, and questionable claims about fundraising and personal history.
- The university initially defended its process but announced a new investigation after receiving "new information" about Arday's qualifications.