Arday Has Denied All Allegations of Plagiarism, Noting That an Academic Misconduct Panel Found No Wrongdoing

Jason Arday, the Cambridge sociology professor accused of plagiarism and embellishment, has resigned with immediate effect from his posts at the University of Cambridge and Jesus College. The resignation came Wednesday night after the university announced it would investigate new information about his qualifications and career. Arday, who became the youngest Black professor in Cambridge's history, said the "relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love.

His memoir, "Great and Unfortunate Things, was set for publication this month by Simon & Schuster, but the resignation may pause or halt its release. Cambridge had initially defended Arday as "the victim of a vile campaign, but concerns over his reputation grew after The Guardian uncovered discrepancies in his accounts, including claims about fundraising and an attack by masked intruders. Arday has denied all allegations of plagiarism, noting that an academic misconduct panel found no wrongdoing.

The university said it received "new information about his qualifications and honorary appointments, and Jesus College is launching a parallel process. Arday remains a fellow during the investigation.