The University of Cambridge has abandoned plans to fully investigate its hiring of Jason Arday, the professor who became a lightning rod in debates over diversity-and-inclusion efforts in higher education, following his abrupt death last month.

Instead, the inquiry will examine whether the school offered him sufficient support amid accusations that he plagiarized portions of his doctoral thesis and embellished his personal narrative. Dr. Arday may come up as part of a broader look at university hiring practices, but he will not be a focus. That marks an abrupt shift from the plan announced this summer, when vice chancellor Deborah Prentice promised a “thorough and transparent” investigation into Dr. Arday’s appointment.

The change means Cambridge may never publicly address how it vetted Dr. Arday for a senior teaching job or why it downplayed concerns. Some professors are demanding accountability. Cambridge touted him as its youngest Black professor after he was hired at 37 in 2022. Of 584 full professors who reported their race that year, three were Black.

Nazir Afzal, the former prosecutor leading the review, said it is “not about the allegations” or academic record, but his welfare. A second review will examine hiring, misconduct and support under scrutiny.