Following the tragic death of Professor Jason Arday, how is his work being celebrated and who are the people championing his legacy?

The death of Professor Jason Arday last month in the wake of unprecedented negative media coverage caused anger and condemnation of specific sections of the media.

In 2023, Arday was appointed professor at Cambridge University, teaching the Sociology of Education. He was the youngest Black professor to teach at the institution. This appointment followed his position teaching the same subject at Glasgow University from January 2022 to March 2023. Recognised as having autism, Arday spoke about neurodiversity throughout his career. He was committed to improving the representation of underrepresented communities in higher education.

In the days and weeks since his passing, various groups and supporters of the late professor are keeping his legacy alive. Here we take a look at just some of the ways that they are celebrating his life’s work.

“Everything Good About Jason Arday” site created by ex-students

A group of Professor Jason Arday’s former students have built a website that hosts testimonials of those he taught. The webpage includes the opening line: “We are tired of the single reductionist narrative about the kindest person we knew. So, we’re gathering everything good about Jason Arday, in the words of the people who were there.”

Many of the testimonials are multiple paragraphs long. The page includes heartwarming words such as: “Jason was extremely knowledgeable in his field and shared such insightful feedback on my dissertation, which I’m taking forward into my PhD applications. He truly is an inspiration to all.”

The website has a form section for ex-students to submit their applications and experiences with Arday.

Fundraiser raised more than £200K

Sir Patrick Vernon OBE launched a fundraiser to help Professor Jason Arday’s family with funeral and associated costs following his death has since raised well over £200K – more than 90% of its goal for £250K. In the fundraising description, Sir Patrick writes: “Let us help Jason’s family in their hour of need. Remember the person, not simply the controversy. There will be an appropriate time for wider reflection about what happened to Jason.”

At the time of publishing, the donations are paused. Arday’s family expressed their gratitude for all donations: “We are immensely grateful to Sir Patrick Vernon OBE for his thoughtfulness in establishing this fund. For any ongoing messages of condolence please use the contact button on the GoFundMe page.”

Open Letter to push for further press regulation

The Good Law Project was an early supporter of Jason Arday following the undue press scrutiny he received. Following his death, they’ve continued their support by creating a public inquiry for better press regulation. The open letter reads: “There cannot be any doubt that Dr Arday’s tragic death was the direct, foreseeable and foreseen result of press harassment. A significant element in that harassment was the colour of his skin. Self-regulation of the press has comprehensively failed.”

Spotlight on the woman behind the resistance: Dr Shola Mos Shogbamimu

Public figures who have signed the petition include Diane Abbott MP, Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP, Eniola Aluko MBE, Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, Dr Kehinde Andrews and hundreds of thousands more.

Jason Arday Vigil

Thousands of attendees turned up at Professor Arday’s vigil on 17 August at Trafalgar Square just three days after his tragic passing. National treasure Beverly Knight performed her song “Keep This Fire Burning”, encouraging attendees to keep fighting for justice and taking care of one another.

Members of domestic violence charity Sistah Space also attended alongside Diane Abott MP, Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP and more.

Black British Book Festival featuring panel on Jason Arday

The Black British Book Festival  scheduled to take place in October at The Barbican Centre, London, has announced that this year’s event will have a panel discussion dedicated to Professor Jason Arday. This is just one example of how people are continuing the conversation around responsible reporting and discussing the positive contributions Professor Arday made.

His memoir: published

Professor Jason Arday’s memoir Great and Unfortunate Things is now published as planned, in accordance with his family’s wishes, on 27 August.

In a statement via the book’s publisher, the family said: “To the very end, Jason was clear that he wanted his memoir to be published and it is only right that we honour his wishes.”

Buy the book here: Shop on Amazon 

Rest in peace Professor Jason Arday
9 May 1985 – 14 August 2026.

Written by Maxine Harrison