Like you, we are profoundly saddened to learn of the untimely death of Professor Jason Arday following a sustained campaign of racist media harassment. We think of his family and friends, and express condolences to them, and solidarity with our Black and neurodivergent colleagues and students, at this terrible and tragic time. His life’s work, to make higher education more accessible and equitable, is what we choose to remember.
More than ever, we need to resist and organise against the increasing attacks on Black people in the public sphere. The brutal, concerted, syndicated campaign to discredit Prof. Arday and attack his integrity is unwarranted and wholly unacceptable.
We support Jo Grady’s position that this must be investigated, and encourage you to sign this petition by the Good Law Project to demand a public inquiry. A fund has also been started in his memory to benefit his family.
What happened to Prof Arday, and the impact of his death, has reverberated throughout the whole sector, so please look after yourself if it has affected you. We would like to remind staff that the University compassionate leave policy allows for time off due to trauma connected to protected characteristics.
Support is also available through the Employee Assistance Programme, the Education Support Partnership, and the Chaplaincy. Contact information for specialist support services are available below.
Crisis and suicide prevention
- PAPYRUS HOPELINE247: Freephone 0800 068 4141 | Text 88247 Suicide prevention for people under 35. https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
- Shout Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258 Free, 24/7 crisis text service. https://giveusashout.org/
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Freephone 0800 58 58 58 Open 5pm to midnight daily. https://www.thecalmzone.net/
Black academic and educator networks
- 100 Black Women Professors NOW: —Accelerating representation for Black female academics. https://www.whenequality.org/100
- Society of Black Academics (SBA): Network supporting Black scholars in UK higher education. https://societyofblackacademics.com/
- Leading Routes: — Support and pipeline for Black PhD researchers. https://www.leadingroutes.org/
- African Caribbean Education Network (ACEN): Professional mentorship for Black educators. https://www.aceducationnetwork.com/teachers/
- BAMEed Network: Peer support and coaching for diverse educators. https://www.bameednetwork.com/
Culturally informed mental health and disability support
- The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN): UK directory connecting people with Black and Asian therapists. https://www.baatn.org.uk/
- Black Minds Matter UK: Connecting individuals with free, certified Black mental health practitioners. https://www.blackmindsmatteruk.com/
- Scope Disability Helpline: Freephone 0808 800 3333 /Email: helpline@scope.org.uk Advice for disabled people (Mon–Sat, 10am–5pm) https://www.scope.org.uk/
- National Autistic Society: Support pathways for autistic adults and students. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/help-and-support
- Black Equity Organisation (BEO): National advocacy group tackling systemic racial injustice. https://blackequityorg.com/
In solidarity
LUCU Committee