A fundraiser launched for Jason Arday following his death has passed over £200,000 in donations.
The fundraiser was set up by Sir Patrick Vernon, who led the campaign to establish Windrush Day, which celebrates Caribbean migrants and their families in the UK.
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Mr Arday was found dead in his Battersea home last Friday.
He was the University of Cambridge’s youngest-ever black professor, stepping into the role in March 2023.
Mr Arday stepped down as a professor of sociology of education at the University of Cambridge on August 4 amid accusations of plagiarism.
The university announced they were launching an investigation into Mr Arday’s appointment last week, as well as his tenure at the educational institution.
He resigned within hours of the university announcing the investigation, pointing to an “unrelenting level of public scrutiny”.
The GoFundMe set up by Sir Patrick has now surpassed £200,000 in donations, and the campaigner explained why he set up the donation fund.
He said: “Jason had spoken openly about being autistic and about the challenges he had overcome throughout his life.
“His story should remind us that behind every headline, social media post and public controversy is a human being and that vulnerability and wellbeing must never become secondary considerations.
“I was one of the people who publicly supported Jason during the recent controversy because I was deeply concerned about the nature and intensity of the attacks directed towards him.
“I was also subject to media scrutiny for signing the letter of support and challenged in supporting Jason.
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“Following his death, my immediate concern is now for Jason’s family.
“I am therefore establishing this fund to help contribute towards funeral, memorial and associated family costs and to provide practical support during an unimaginably difficult period.
“I have previously helped establish funds to support bereaved families, including the Majonzi Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic, and fundraising to assist with funeral costs for families affected by the Home Office Windrush Scandal.
“I have seen first-hand how, at the moment when a family is experiencing profound grief, the financial cost of a funeral and the practical responsibilities surrounding a death can become an additional burden.
“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.”
In a statement issued by Mr Arday’s publisher Simon & Schuster UK, Prof Arday’s family said, following his death: “Jason was subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse for the more than three years since he accepted the role of professor at Cambridge University by those who would leave no stone unturned in their quest to undermine him.
“The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason, who was a gentle man and who always wanted to see the best in everyone.
“We are in shock to have lost this amazing father, partner, brother, uncle and son.
“We won’t comment further at this point beyond asking the press to leave us alone now, and to stop the campaign of harassment which has been waged against Jason and his family for too long.”
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