Cambridge agrees to hold independent inquiry into Jason Arday appointment

Vice-chancellor Deborah Prentice says she recognises the ‘difficult case’ has damaged the university

Cambridge University’s leadership has bowed to internal pressure for an independent investigation into its appointment of Jason Arday as professor, with its vice-chancellor admitting the affair had damaged the institution.

Prof Deborah Prentice said she recognised the “anger and anxiety around this damaging and difficult case”, but described it as an aberration that should not be used to cast aspersions on the abilities of its staff of colour.