Xiaohongshu
We’ve felt immense sadness since the death of Professor Jason Arday last Friday. We are profoundly angry at the injustice of his treatment. It should never have come to this. Professor Arday should still be with us, still with his family. We’re thinking of everyone who loved him, learned from him, or was inspired by him. For Black, disabled and neurodivergent students, Professor Arday’s story helped us believe that academia could be a place for us.
“I know many members of our community, particularly Black students and staff, may be experiencing grief, anger or exhaustion in response to this news. I joined the vigil in Trafalgar Square last night and felt surrounded by love for Professor Arday. In amongst the immense grief, he was celebrated for who he was.” Rawleka Wilson, Equity and Inclusion Officer.
We have witnessed the ruthless public interrogation of Professor Arday across social media and the press, with racist ideology often openly on display. Holding academics to the same standards, regardless of race or ethnicity, is essential. Disagreement, criticism or scrutiny should never become sustained public humiliation, harassment or racist abuse.
This is larger than one man being treated unfairly. What happened to Professor Arday was weaponised not only to target him, but also to undermine the value of equality and inclusion work more broadly, in higher education and across society. We need to recognise this pattern and reckon with the institutional racism that continues to shape the experiences of many Black people in higher education.
If this news has affected you, we are here for you. Don't sit with this alone. Our Advice Service offers support confidentially and without judgement, and UCL's wellbeing support can provide specialist counselling services.
We stand with our Black, disabled and neurodivergent students and academics at UCL and across the sector, today and always.
With love and solidarity,
Rawleka, Christian, Audrey, Vivian, Sarah and Anam
Your Sabbatical Officers, Students’ Union UCL