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Peter MacKinnon: Cambridge missteps in handling of scandal over alleged plagiarism

Prestigious university eroded trust by not immediately investigating allegations against Prof. Jason Arday

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There is clear and convincing evidence of declining trust in western universities, and restoring it requires that their leaders ask a fundamental question: what does trust require of us? In administration, teaching and research, recruitment and retention, protecting our campuses and all who come lawfully to them — what does trust require? As places of free inquiry, are they built on trust?

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Trust is the confidence that policies and practices reflect reasons why universities exist and receive wide public support. It does not end precipitously; it erodes over time because of repeated failures to earn and maintain this confidence. There........

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