Months before the late University of Cambridge sociology professor Jason Arday was found dead on 14 August, professors at Ghent University had already formally challenged the appointment of the academic who accused him of plagiarism. Nathan Cofnas, who secured a postdoctoral research role at the Belgian university in March, faced significant internal opposition from colleagues who alleged he lacked the necessary expertise for the position.
In a 19-page statement submitted to university officials, the department of philosophy and moral sciences at Ghent argued it was “improbable” that Cofnas was the best candidate for the role, which focused on the future of liberalism. The department council approved this as its “official position” on 27 May, stating that they observed “only very limited expertise” regarding key project themes such as political philosophy, liberalism, and demography. The statement further noted that the job requirement for a “strong research interest in liberalism” was not supported by Cofnas’s CV or publication record.
Academics involved in the protest alleged a lack of transparency surrounding the hiring process, with a large majority suggesting the appointment was an “ideological choice” decided in advance. The department emphasized that Cofnas had never conducted research on intelligence, nor was such work part of the project for which he was hired. Furthermore, they contended that his online writings were not based on sound scientific research.
This formal statement followed an earlier email sent in March to university leaders and governors, signed by 48 department staff, 73 students, and 367 academics from Ghent and other institutions, expressing “astonishment and indignation” regarding the appointment. Critics have pointed to Cofnas’s online activity, including a 2023 post on X where he claimed, “There are obviously personality differences between Jews and non-Jews,” and a Substack post titled “How to take back academia,” in which he outlined methods to remove academics he labeled “wokesters.”
In response to the controversy, a spokesperson for Ghent University stated they would not comment on specific disciplinary details but noted that the university takes public statements made by researchers “very seriously” and has decided to take “appropriate action within its powers.” Cofnas has defended his position, stating his qualifications are a matter of public record and dismissing accusations that he is uninterested in the exchange of ideas as attempts to silence his views.
The scrutiny surrounding the plagiarism allegations against Arday, which have not been formally proven, has been described by some as a “racist feeding frenzy.” Arday, who admitted to “mistakes” while citing the cruelty he faced, was remembered by colleagues as a “gentle, generous, encouraging person.” A fund established by Sir Patrick Vernon to support Arday’s family has raised over £224,000, reflecting the profound respect and admiration held for the professor.
