U.S. Ambassador Bill White criticized Ghent University's suspension of Nathan Cofnas, who had previously accused the late Cambridge professor Jason Arday of plagiarism.

U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White has condemned Ghent University's decision to suspend American researcher Nathan Cofnas. Cofnas, who previously published plagiarism allegations against the late Cambridge professor Jason Arday, claimed on social media that the university intends to fire him. Ambassador White stated that the Trump administration would review its relationships with the institution, labeling the university's actions as scapegoating.

Context of the Dispute

Jason Arday, who became the youngest Black professor at Cambridge in 2023, was found dead in his London home earlier this month. Before his death, Arday faced intense scrutiny following plagiarism allegations published by Cofnas on his Substack. Cambridge initially supported Arday but later launched an investigation into his credentials, leading to his resignation. Arday’s family stated that the misinformation campaign against him was overwhelming.

Cofnas and Ghent University

Ghent University announced it was launching a preliminary disciplinary investigation into an unspecified staff member on the same day Cofnas reported his suspension. Cofnas, a self-described 'race realist' whose research includes intelligence differences across races, was previously fired from Cambridge’s Emmanuel College in 2024. In a Wall Street Journal essay, Cofnas argued he was being scapegoated for his controversial views on race.