Jason Arday resigns as Cambridge's youngest Black professor, reigniting UK diversity debate

Jason Arday, Cambridge's youngest Black professor, resigned after an inquiry into his qualifications, reigniting Britain's culture war over diversity policies. Appointed in 2023 at 37, Arday faced accusations that his 2015 PhD thesis closely resembled another scholar's work. Cambridge initially defended him; the university opened an inquiry after receiving new information about his qualifications and research integrity. Arday, who learned to speak at 11 and read at 18, symbolized universities' diversity push. Supporters call the scrutiny a racist campaign; critics say Cambridge neglected academic rigor.