To: The Editors of the British Media, Media Regulators, Universities, and All Organisations Responsible for Upholding Journalistic Standards

We, the undersigned, call for accountability, transparency and meaningful reflection on the treatment of the late Professor Jason Arday, a pioneering Black academic whose achievements and legacy deserve to be recognised with dignity and respect.

Following reports that another investigation into plagiarism allegations against Jason Arday concluded without substantiating those claims, serious questions must be asked about how those allegations were reported, amplified and allowed to shape public perception before the facts had been established.

We are deeply concerned about the impact of media scrutiny on Black academics and other individuals from underrepresented communities, and whether racial inequality influences who receives the benefit of the doubt and who is subjected to relentless public condemnation.

We believe that every individual deserves fairness, due process and the presumption of innocence.

Allegations should never be treated as proven facts. Journalists and media organisations have a responsibility to investigate thoroughly, verify evidence, report proportionately and correct misleading or unsupported claims prominently.

When accusations receive widespread coverage but subsequent findings receive far less attention, the damage to a person's reputation can endure long after the original claims have been challenged.

Jason Arday's story raises important questions about media responsibility, racial equality and the human consequences of public scrutiny. His life and legacy must not be reduced to allegations that an investigation did not substantiate.

We are calling for:

1. Media accountability:An independent review of the reporting surrounding Jason Arday and the handling of allegations against him.

2. Fair and balanced reporting:A commitment to distinguish allegations from established facts and to give meaningful prominence to findings that do not substantiate those allegations.

3. Equality and racial fairness:Greater scrutiny of whether racial bias influences media narratives, the treatment of Black academics and the presumption of innocence afforded to different individuals.

4. Transparency and corrections:Clear, accessible corrections and follow up reporting where claims are unsupported, inaccurate or materially misleading.

5. Stronger journalistic standards:Practical measures to prevent reputational harm caused by irresponsible reporting, including safeguards for individuals who face serious public allegations.

6. Respect for Jason Arday's legacy:Recognition of his academic achievements, contributions and pioneering role, alongside an honest examination of the questions raised by his treatment in the media.

Our message is clear.

Black academics deserve the same dignity, fairness and presumption of innocence as everyone else.

No individual should be tried in the court of public opinion before the evidence has been properly examined. No allegation should be allowed to overshadow a person's entire life without accountability for how it was reported.

We cannot change the past, but we can demand better standards for the future.

We call on British media organisations, editors, regulators and institutions to listen, reflect and act. We ask everyone who believes in fairness, racial equality and responsible journalism to add their voice to this call for change.

Sign this petition. Share this message. Demand accountability.**

#YourVoiceMatters #JusticeForJasonArday #MediaAccountability #RacialEquality #FairReporting #BlackExcellence