Ghent University has suspended postdoctoral researcher Nathan Cofnas from his position following his public criticisms of the late Cambridge professor Jason Arday. Cofnas, who describes himself as a "race realist," was among the figures who questioned Arday's academic work and achievements, contributing to a weeks-long controversy surrounding plagiarism allegations that preceded Arday's death on 14 August.
Cofnas, who is based in the university's department of philosophy and moral sciences, stated that he is currently under investigation by the Belgian institution "for discriminating against Arday." A spokesperson for Ghent University confirmed that a staff member had been notified of a "preliminary disciplinary investigation" and was suspended as a precautionary measure.
In a statement addressing Arday's death, Ghent University rector Petra De Sutter and vice-rector Herwig Reynaert expressed that they took "recent public statements made by a postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University regarding this matter very seriously" and had initiated "appropriate action." The university leadership emphasized that while they value academic freedom and open debate, such freedom is not absolute and must be balanced with responsibility to protect the rights of others.
They added that the institution stands against discrimination, hatred, and racism, noting that Arday's death should "prompt reflection" on how individuals are treated within and outside the academic community.
Cofnas previously faced professional consequences in 2024 when his role at a Cambridge college was terminated following backlash over his assertions that black people would "disappear from almost all high-profile positions outside of sports and entertainment" in a true meritocracy. Regarding the plagiarism claims, Cofnas alleged that he utilized detection software on Arday's work, claiming that "many passages are lifted with minimal editing." He also pointed to concerns previously raised by a retired professor regarding Arday's articles, which resulted in two journals issuing correction notes.
Jason Arday, who became Cambridge's youngest black professor in 2023, faced intense media scrutiny regarding his academic credentials and his charitable claims—specifically concerning his reported athletic achievements, including running 30 marathons in 35 days and 600 miles on a treadmill in six days. Arday, who had resigned from his position as a professor of sociology of education the week before his death, was found dead in Battersea, south London, at the age of 41. He had consistently denied the allegations of plagiarism.
