Statement from GMB Union Southern Race Network on the passing of Professor Jason Arday
Professor Jason’s words “I would take a thread and a needle and I'd interweave love into our society” feel especially relevant now.
The GMB Southern Race Network is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Jason Atta Kwei Arday. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, students and others who knew him.
Professor Jason will be remembered for his remarkable achievements, commitment to equality and social justice and for the many people he has helped during his career.
Professor Jason’s words “I would take a thread and a needle and I'd interweave love into our society” feel especially relevant now.
We are deeply concerned by the sustained and extensive reporting surrounding Professor Jason in recent weeks and its impact on him and his loved ones. There can be no doubt that Jason“s identity as a working class, neurodivergent, black man increased the level of attacks.
Professor Jason mentioned the “relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love”.
Public media attacks must not replace due process nor should an individual be the subject of a sustained public campaign before all the relevant questions have been properly considered. A UKFactCheck article shows there were 188 articles about Professor Jason in only 9 days.
Journalism plays an important role in holding organisations and individuals to account. However, responsible scrutiny should also acknowledge the impacts reporting can have on the person behind every story.
Questions must be asked fairly, responsibly and with humanity. Investigations should have the opportunity to reach their conclusions, individuals should be able to respond and unresolved allegations should be described as such.
We should also reflect on how race, disability and class can shape who gets scrutinised and how scrutiny is formed. Professor Jason's passing should encourage us all to reflect on these dynamics truthfully.
Our thoughts are now with Professor Jason's family and his loved ones. We hope they can have the privacy, compassion and respect they deserve.
Professor Jason’s passing is a profound loss for us all.
We mourn Professor Jason Atta Kwei Arday.
May he rest in peace.
