US Ambassador to Belgium Bill White says he brokered an agreement to reinstate academic Nathan Cofnas, though university staff state the investigation remains ongoing.
Key facts
- •Bill White posted on X on 27 August that he brokered an agreement to reinstate Nathan Cofnas.
- •Cofnas was suspended by Ghent University rector Petra De Sutter.
- •The suspension was linked to events surrounding the death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday.
- •A university employee stated the investigation into Cofnas is ongoing.
- •The university source claimed the ambassador had no real influence on the suspension status.
US Ambassador to Belgium Bill White announced on social media that he helped reach an agreement to reinstate academic Nathan Cofnas at Ghent University. Cofnas had been suspended following events linked to the death of Cambridge sociology professor Jason Arday. White stated he is pleased the suspension was lifted, allowing Cofnas to finish his one-year postdoctoral appointment.
Background of the Dispute
Before the reported agreement, Ambassador White had publicly criticized Ghent University, threatening to suspend all US relations with the institution. He characterized the university's initial decision to suspend Cofnas as "scapegoating mob behavior."
University Response
Despite the ambassador's claims, a Ghent University employee informed EUobserver that the investigation into Cofnas is still active. The source further stated that the ambassador did not have actual influence over the decision to lift the suspension.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by EUobserver.
