Message from Queen’s Principal – Death of Professor Jason Arday

I wanted to share a message with all Queen’s students in response to the tragic death of  Professor Jason Arday, who was until recently Professor of Sociology at the University of Cambridge.

 Our prayers are with Jason’s family and friends, but his untimely death is undoubtedly impacting many others. I want to acknowledge how difficult this news must be especially for our Black and Global Majority Heritage students.

 Given the circumstances around his death, and the level of relentless criticism and clear prejudice aimed at him through some of the press and on social media, there is understandably widespread shock and grief. Systemic racism again rears its ugly head - whatever the final view of the academic disputes turns out to be.

 I hope that all upset by this news will have personal support they can turn to.  If any student would value a conversation with Queen’s chaplain or with an appropriate tutor, you are invited to request one through the usual chaplaincy contact chaplain@queens.ac.uk

The news also underlines yet more strongly the important work in black theology that we do here at Queen's, our work for racial justice within theological education, as well as how far there is yet to go.  

Praying for all those impacted by this news

 Anne

The Rt Revd Anne Hollinghurst

Principal