A message of support
Posted on Monday 17 August 2026
If you have been impacted by the tragic news of Professor Arday's death, our student wellbeing services remain available to provide you with help and support over the summer break. These include, but are not limited to:
Message from the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Director of HR
Sent: 17 August 2026
Subject: A message of support
Dear colleagues,
Like many across the higher education community, we were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Professor Jason Arday, reported late on Friday evening. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.
At times such as these, people respond in different ways and news of this nature can be felt both professionally and personally. We encourage everyone to take the time and space they need and to look out for colleagues who may be affected.
Recent public discussions about higher education, academic achievement and inclusion have prompted concern and uncertainty for many colleagues across the sector, including here at York. While we do not wish to speculate on the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss, we recognise that such debates can have a significant impact on how individuals feel about their work and their identity.
We want to be absolutely clear, assumptions that diminish or undermine the achievements of colleagues on the basis of ethnicity, disability, neurodivergence, gender, or any other protected characteristic are wrong and have no place in our community. The University of York’s commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is one of our foundational principles - one which was reaffirmed with vigour in the recent strategy refresh discussion. The quality, dynamism and innovation we see every day at the University of York rests on the diversity of perspectives, talents and expertise that colleagues from all backgrounds and in all roles bring to our community.
In these moments, our values - epitomised by ‘Together York' - are more important than ever. We remain committed to a culture of genuine collegiality, where we actively look out for one another, check in on colleagues who may be struggling, and make space for these conversations when they are needed.
If you would like support or wish to raise a concern, the Equality and Diversity Office can provide advice on staff networks, access to employee assistance support, and routes for reporting concerns through the University's reporting tools. You are also welcome to contact Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and University Executive Board lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Maria Ayaz Head of Equality and Diversity. We will also be sharing a similar message with our students who can continue to access our wellbeing services over the break.
At a time when many colleagues may be feeling saddened, affected or unsettled, let’s continue to support each other with compassion and solidarity, ensuring that York remains a place where everyone can thrive, be heard, and be valued for the essential contributions they make.
With all good wishes,
Professor Charlie Jeffery
President & Vice-Chancellor
Professor Kiran Trehan
Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Enterprise, Partnerships, and Engagement
Rachael Millhouse
Director of HR