Academic Accusing Late Professor of Plagiarism Suspended by University

Nathan Cofnas, an academic who accused the late University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday of plagiarism, has been suspended by Ghent University in Belgium, where he works as a postdoctoral researcher. Cofnas confirmed his suspension on X, stating that the university is investigating him for alleged discrimination against Arday and that he anticipates being fired.

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I am under investigation by my university for discriminating against Arday.

This development follows the death of Arday, 41, who was found dead in London shortly after resigning from his Cambridge position. The resignation came amid controversy surrounding plagiarism allegations, which were not formally proven. Arday had made history as Cambridge's youngest Black professor in 2023. His resignation and the subsequent media coverage of the plagiarism claims drew significant criticism, including scrutiny of Cambridge's handling of the matter and the media's portrayal of it. Cambridge's chancellor, Chris Smith, characterized the situation as a "racist feeding frenzy."

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I was just suspended by Ghent University. They will almost certainly fire me.

Ghent University confirmed Cofnas's suspension as a precautionary measure pending an investigation into his conduct. Rector Petra De Sutter and Vice-Rector Herwig Reynaert issued a joint statement emphasizing that while the university values academic freedom and open debate, this freedom is not absolute. "It goes hand in hand with responsibility and may be restricted in order to protect the rights of others," the statement read.

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racist feeding frenzy

The university leadership further stated that they take Cofnas's public statements regarding the matter very seriously and have initiated a preliminary disciplinary investigation. "Ghent University formally notified the staff member concerned of the launch of a preliminary disciplinary investigation," a spokesperson said. The university is assessing whether sufficient grounds exist to refer the case to a disciplinary body. While emphasizing the importance of transparency, the university leadership declined to comment further, stating they do not wish to "pre-empt any potential decisions at this stage."

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We attach great importance to academic freedom and to open academic debate, even when views are controversial. However, that freedom is not unlimited. It goes hand in hand with responsibility and may be restricted in order to protect the rights of others.