Thousands of pounds have been raised for the family of former Cambridge academic Jason Arday as members of the public rally to offer support and prepare to hold a vigil in his memory.
The professor, who stepped down following a controversy over plagiarism, was declared dead after emergency services were called to an address in Battersea, south London, on Friday regarding reports of an unresponsive man inside the property.
A fundraising page set up on Saturday afternoon by Windrush activist Sir Patrick Vernon has collected more than £5,000 to assist Prof Arday’s family with funeral costs.
Writing on GoFundMe, Sir Patrick paid tribute to the “pioneering” academic.
He said: “I was one of the people who publicly supported Jason during the recent controversy because I was deeply concerned about the nature and intensity of the attacks directed towards him.
“I was also subject to media scrutiny for signing the letter of support and challenged in supporting Jason.
“Following his death, my immediate concern is now for Jason’s family.
“I am therefore establishing this fund to help contribute towards funeral, memorial and associated family costs and to provide practical support during an unimaginably difficult period.”
Vigil for Jason Arday planned
Stand Up To Racism has also confirmed plans to hold a memorial vigil for Prof Arday. The event will take place on the steps of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, central London, at 6pm on Monday.
Weyman Bennett, co-convenor of the group, said in a statement: “Jason Arday’s death is a tragedy – but make no mistake, it was the result of a racist witch hunt.
“For more than a week, the right-wing press, politicians and the far right have hounded Jason with the most vicious racism.
“They are spreading the far right lie that black people are only appointed because of the colour of our skin, rather than our ability.
“They have blood on their hands. Our thoughts are with Jason’s family, but we are furious with those who are to blame. Enough is enough.”
Burnham calls Jason Arday’s death a ‘tragedy’
This follows comments from Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who described the professor’s death as a “tragedy” and called for a “moment of reflection”.
Speaking to reporters on a trip to Cornwall, Mr Burnham said: “It’s a tragedy on so many levels, but particularly just for everybody who knew Jason, his family obviously, his friends. We think of think of them today.
“It’s not a moment for any rushing to judgment. It’s a moment for reflection, I would say, reflecting on how things came to this.
“A really sad, sad and sorry state of affairs and I think we all today think of Jason, his contribution, and his family and friends.”
In the hours leading up to his death, Prof Arday told University of Cambridge professor and director of the Autism Research Centre Sir Simon Baron-Cohen that he “couldn’t go on”.
Sir Simon, who spoke with Prof Arday on Friday morning, told the BBC: “He was being subjected to relentless scrutiny, including ridicule, discrediting absolutely every detail of his life, and he wasn’t coping with the loss of his career, the loss of his reputation, and he felt he couldn’t go on.”
Prof Arday, a professor of sociology of education who became Cambridge’s youngest black professor in 2023, resigned after press reports alleged plagiarism in his PhD thesis – completed at Liverpool John Moores University – as well as other research work.
Media reports raised further questions about other claims, including assertions that he ran 600 miles within six days and raised £5.5 million for charity.
An investigation carried out by Liverpool John Moores University cleared Prof Arday of any wrongdoing.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branchIf you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
