Jason Arday: Queens University Belfast to investigate work

Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) is investigating work it published that was co-authored by Prof Jason Arday, who has resigned from his University of Cambridge roles following allegations of plagiarism.

The paper, published in 2021, looked at the impact of what was taught in universities on “Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) learners” and “academics of colour”.

Queen’s had published a paper on its academic research site co-authored by Arday and other academics from the university.

Arday is facing accusations of fabricating or exaggerating elements of his CV. He has defended himself and his work.

In a statement to BBC News NI, a spokesperson for QUB said: “We are aware that Professor Arday’s research, co-authored with academics from Queen’s, is published on our academic research platform.

“We are currently looking into the matter and liaising with other UK universities in relation to it.”

The paper is called “Attempting to break the chain: Reimaging inclusive pedagogy and decolonising the curriculum within the academy”.

“The centrality of whiteness as an instrument of power and privilege ensures that particular types of knowledge continue to remain omitted from our curriculums,” the work said.

Part of the work was based on interviews with students and staff, who are quoted.

“When you think about our curriculum it is actually very white and in many respects quite exclusionary,” one female student, described as “mixed-heritage,” said.

“Talking about race and racism… and decolonising the curriculum is really difficult… especially in a classroom space,” a black male student said.

The paper recommended changing the curriculum in universities to make it more inclusive and less “Eurocentric”.