Yesterday, in front of The National Gallery London, a vigil was held to remember Professor Jason Arday, who on Friday, 21 August 2026, after weeks of public media scrutiny and personal attacks, took his own life.
Sophie Leach (NSEAD Deputy General Secretary) joined London-based NSEAD members, educators, musicians, politicians and campaigners, who came together in sadness and solidarity to remember not only the intense and overwhelming press intrusion during the horrific final weeks of Professor Jason Arday’s life, but a life lived with hope, love, compassion and action.
Professor Jason Arday’s PhD student spoke movingly about his achievements, his contribution to education and the legacy he leaves behind. She also reflected on the pernicious and unrelenting nature of the media scrutiny he experienced.
The vigil brought together voices calling for justice and change. Photographer, filmmaker and chair of the Southbank Centre, Misan Harriman said, ‘A crime has been committed and justice must be served’, while Jolyon Maugham of the Good Law Project reminded those gathered that ‘no one should profit from pain.’
Music also offered a powerful expression of hope and solidarity. Beverley Knight performed Keep This Fire Burning, a reminder of the determination and necessity to carry forward the work and values that Professor Arday championed.
Dawn Butler MP said, ‘Professor Jason Arday, your memory will live on, and this is the change in wait.’
Those attending also heard quoted Professor Jason Arday’s own words:
“Every human life has purpose. Imagine all what might be achieved if all were valued.”
The vigil organised by Stand Up to Racism, fell silent as the three thousand supporters present remembered Professor Jason Arday, his life, his work and commitment to creating a more just and compassionate world.
Reflecting on the vigil, Sophie Leach said:
Our thoughts remained with Professor Jason Arday's family and friends as everyone present stood in solidarity. Speakers and supporters alike, called for a better world, where we are united and everyone every child ‘can’ achieve. A leader, academic and colleague has been lost – but Professor Jason’s Arday’s legacy and hopes for the future must never be forgotten. His calls for change and anti-racist work will continue.
Michele Gregson, CEO and General Secretary of NSEAD says:
'This is a tragedy that should never have happened. The loss of Professor Jason Arday touches everyone working in education. We have witnessed the hounding of one of our own – a distinguished scholar and teacher, who made a unique contribution to education and the many lives he touched. His tragic death demands that we unite as a community, and stand up to discrimination, intolerance and hatred that has no place in our society.’