Vigil For Jason Arday to be Held in London Today

Organised by the group Stand Up to Racism, a vigil for former Cambridge professor Jason Arday will be held today at 6pm on the steps of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. 

Political activist and author Sir Patrick Vernon, who started a fundraiser for Arday’s family that has raised over £150,000, said the huge support demonstrates that "Britain still cares”. 

Yesterday, over 200 people attended a vigil for Arday in Cambridge, organised by his postdoctoral students. While addressing the crowd, one student stated: "Jason's death and the cruelty and smear that surrounded him reminds us that, for many, we do not belong. An institution can give you a room and still withhold a home”.

Chris Smith, Chancellor of Cambridge University, also recently released a statement claiming that: “I do believe it is possible to hold to two principles at the same time: to believe in the importance of academic integrity, and where criticisms of plagiarism arise… ensure that they are rigorously investigated. And also to refuse to join in a racist feeding frenzy over a particular academic.”

The university will not make a decision whether to launch an investigation into the accusations of plagiarism lobbied against Arday while his family are still grieving. 

Written by Jorja Flitcroft