‘Pain, sadness and anger’: Vice-Chancellor’s message to students after Arday’s Death

TW: This article contains distressing content

Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice has released a message to Cambridge students outlining the two-step independent review process that will take place from today following the death of the 41-year-old sociology professor Jason Arday last month. Her email also expressed condemnation of what she called “an unacceptable rise in racist, hateful and abusive attacks” on some members of the community online in the past weeks.

The student notice sent to students by Professor Prentice on the afternoon of Friday the 4th of September starts: “The time since the tragic death of Professor Jason Arday has been a period of profound sadness and reflection for the University.”

Prentice goes on to explain that she and members of her leadership team, “have spent the past few weeks meeting with and listening to colleagues, staff and students”, many of whom shared their “fond memories of Professor Arday” – as well as “the pain, sadness and anger that they continue to feel.”

The Vice-Chancellor revealed that her team had been asked by many members of the Cambridge community – including alumni and donors – about the independent review (which is being launched today following a meeting of the University council). She writes that many individuals had expressed their interest in learning more about how the review process would be conducted, and the “importance of … identifying shortcomings on behalf of the University“, including “areas that must be improved following this awful tragedy.”

In response to this, Professor Prentice explains that the independent review will be in two parts. 

“Part one will examine the support, interventions and protections available to Professor Arday during the period prior to his death.” For this, “the university council has agreed to appoint Nazir Afzal OBE, the former Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North West of England, [who will] serve as the independent lead of this part.”

“Nazir has extensive experience of leading complex independent reviews, and he has a deep understanding of the higher education sector through his role as the Chancellor of the University of Manchester.

“I have asked him to finish and report back on part one within three months so that the University can consider and implement the recommendations without delay.

“Part two will comprise a broader review of the University’s institutional processes and practice.

“This will include the recruitment of senior academic staff, mentoring and support arrangements, the University’s response to allegations of research misconduct, and the support available to academics who are subjected to excessive public and media scrutiny. We are in the process of appointing an independent external chair to lead this work, subject to the Council’s approval.

“Part two of the review will also be advised by an independent expert panel and is expected to report within six months.”

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However, the statement makes it clear that “the review – both parts one and two – will not investigate areas that are the subject of the Coroner’s inquest.”

The terms of reference approved by the council will, she explains, be published after the part one lead and part two chair “have reviewed and considered them”.

“When each part of the review has reported back, we will share a summary of the review’s findings, recommendations and resulting actions with the University community and the wider public.

Prentice continues with a promise of “clear accountability” by her senior team “for delivering necessary changes” and “ensuring that recommendations arising from the review are addressed and adopted.”

The message ends with clear signposting of support for those affected by Arday’s passing, noting the particular effect of the tragic news about Arday for staff and students who are Black and/or neurodiverse.

“I am conscious that Professor Arday’s death has deeply affected Black staff and students, as well neurodiverse staff and students. There has also been an unacceptable rise in racist, hateful and abusive attacks on some members of our community in online forums and on social media.

“I am appalled by this, and I condemn all forms of that abuse. We are working with relevant groups and networks in the University to signpost people to targeted support if they need it.

The University’s student support services are also ready to support you if you need them.”