'The events surrounding the final weeks of Professor Arday’s life raise serious questions'

The Racial Justice Advocacy Forum (RJAF) has issued a statement following the death of Professor Jason Arday

In 2023, Professor Arday became the youngest black professor in the history of Cambridge University. Earlier this year he was subjected to intensive media scrutiny following allegations of plagiarism, falsified research and misleading claims. He resigned when Cambridge announced an investigation into his appointment, acknowledging mistakes in his work, but maintaining he was not a liar. 

He was found dead at his home on 14 August.  

The RJAF, which was established in 2020 by the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), seeks to advocate on behalf of, and with, Black and Brown Christians on racial justice matters.

Its statement is here, and below:

Members of the Racial Justice Advocacy Forum are deeply saddened by the death of Professor Jason Arday. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all who knew and loved him. We respect his family’s request for privacy as they grieve.

In the period before his death, Professor Arday was subjected to intense public scrutiny, personal criticism and widespread commentary, including on social media. Legitimate questions should always be considered fairly and carefully, but scrutiny must be proportionate and must never become harassment, dehumanisation or the denial of a person’s dignity.

The events surrounding the final weeks of Professor Arday’s life raise serious questions about media responsibility, the character of public discourse, institutional care and the disproportionate and racialised pressures that can be experienced by Black and Brown people in public life.

As churches and Christian organisations, we must not remain silent in the face of racism, public shaming or indifference to human suffering. Our faith calls us to stand alongside those who are wounded, to challenge systems and patterns of behaviour that cause harm, and to affirm the inherent dignity of every person, equally made in the image of God.

We therefore call for responsible reporting, careful and compassionate public speech, stronger support for those facing public hostility, and a renewed commitment from churches, institutions and civic leaders to oppose racism and protect human dignity.

May Professor Arday’s loved ones know comfort in their grief. May his death lead us to honest reflection, faithful action and a deeper commitment to creating communities in which every person is treated with justice, compassion and dignity.


Racial Justice Advocacy Forum (RJAF)
The Revd Wale Hudson-Roberts, Baptist Union Justice Enabler
Dr Richard Reddie,  director of Justice and Inclusion for Churches Together in Britain and Ireland