A group of academics has initiated an independent investigation into the appointment of Professor Jason Arday at the University of Cambridge, expressing concerns that the institution’s internal inquiry may be insufficient. The Committee for Academic Freedom (CAF), a campaign organization focused on free speech in higher education, has voiced skepticism about the scope and impartiality of Cambridge’s ongoing review.

Professor Arday, who was appointed at age 41, was Cambridge’s youngest black professor and widely recognized as a symbol of diversity within the university. He died by apparent suicide in August, shortly after resigning amid allegations that he had plagiarized parts of his PhD thesis and exaggerated details of his personal background.

The university’s internal investigation centers on its handling of Arday’s welfare, following statements by Cambridge’s vice-chancellor, Deborah Prentice, who characterized the public scrutiny of Arday as “appalling.” However, CAF contends that this focus overlooks a more critical issue: whether the university’s hiring processes adequately maintained academic standards during his appointment.

Edward Skidelsky, founder of CAF, criticized the university’s internal probe, warning it would be “watered down” and emphasize care for Arday rather than the integrity of the appointment. Freddie Attenborough, CAF’s research manager, indicated that the independent review aims to address “growing professional disquiet” about the decision to appoint Arday amid the controversy surrounding his academic record.

The rival inquiry seeks to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the university’s recruitment procedures and the broader implications for academic freedom and institutional accountability. The development underscores the ongoing debate over transparency and standards in the recruitment and oversight practices of leading academic institutions.