Cambridge University Investigates Faculty Over 'Professor Plagiarism' Appointment

Cambridge University's vice chancellor has announced an investigation into the Faculty of Education following the appointment of Jason Arday, who has faced accusations of plagiarism and fabricating academic posts. Professor Deborah Prentice stated in her first public remarks on the matter that the case has caused "anger and anxiety" across the university and described it as "damaging and difficult."

Professor Prentice confirmed that the faculty responsible for Arday's appointment in 2022 will be scrutinized. The investigation, which will be conducted independently by senior academics, aims to understand the circumstances surrounding the appointment and Arday's tenure at Cambridge, which began nearly four years ago. The findings are intended to inform a review of the university's processes for appointing senior academics.

The Faculty of Education has placed its website on lockdown, making its "our people" page, which previously listed lecturers' biographies and work, private. This action follows a broader university investigation initiated last week into allegations against Arday.

Arday resigned from his position, citing the "personal cost" of the controversy. He also canceled several events planned to promote his upcoming memoir, "Great and Unfortunate Things."

Professor Prentice acknowledged the widespread concerns, stating, "I fully understand the concerns being raised across the University and well beyond it, regarding Jason Arday’s appointment and I share them." She emphasized that the investigation must be "thorough and transparent" and begin as soon as possible, though she noted it would take time.

In related reporting, it was claimed that a colleague of Arday's within the Faculty of Education, Dr. Farah Ahmed, had past ties to the group Hizb ut-Tahrir. The Spectator reported that Dr. Ahmed wrote a chapter for a 2002 pamphlet published by the group, criticizing "western education." She later stated in 2010 that she was not a member of the group and disagreed with many of its views. Hizb ut-Tahrir was banned in the UK in 2024.