Academics defend Cofnas
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Ghent University suspended Nathan Cofnas, who accused late Cambridge professor Jason Arday of plagiarism, pending investigation. The U.S. ambassador to Belgium defended Cofnas, calling the suspension scapegoating.
Background
Nathan Cofnas, a postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University, publicly accused Jason Arday, a Black professor at Cambridge, of plagiarism in his doctoral dissertation. The allegations led to a public firestorm, Arday's resignation, and his subsequent death. Cofnas was suspended as a precautionary measure while the university investigates his recent public statements, which some view as discriminatory.
How it unfolded
- Jul 21, 2026Cofnas wrote on his Substack that he had been contacted by a source at Cambridge about plagiarism accusations concerning Arday.
- Aug 5, 2026Cambridge announced an investigation into Arday's qualifications and academic-misconduct complaints; Arday resigned the same day.
- Aug 17, 2026A vigil for Arday was held in Trafalgar Square, London, with about 30,000 attendees; speakers criticized those who questioned Arday's record.
- Aug 20, 2026Ghent University suspended Cofnas as a precautionary measure pending a preliminary disciplinary investigation.
- Aug 21, 2026U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White defended Cofnas on social media, condemning the suspension and saying the Trump administration would review relationships with Ghent University.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Ghent University said it suspended Cofnas as a precautionary measure while it investigates his recent public statements.
- Support
- U.S. Ambassador Bill White defended Cofnas, calling the suspension scapegoating and saying the Trump administration would review ties with Ghent.
- Caution
- Arday's family said 'The campaign of misinformation was too much for Jason,' suggesting the allegations contributed to his death.
- Public
- Speakers at the Trafalgar Square vigil criticized those who questioned Arday's academic record, with Cofnas singled out.
Still unverified
Cofnas's claim that he could be murdered after the Trafalgar Square vigil; his assertion that the suspension is politically motivated retaliation.