US ambassador threatens Ghent University ties over suspension of researcher Nathan Cofnas

Diplomatic fallout in Ghent

United States Ambassador to Belgium Bill White criticized Ghent University on Friday for suspending American postdoctoral researcher Nathan Cofnas. In a post on X, White announced that Washington would review all existing ties with the Belgian institution following the disciplinary action. The ambassador described the suspension as retaliation against a researcher who identified academic misconduct.

Dishonest, corrupt institutions that engage in or reward mob-like scapegoating behaviour are not desirable partners for us.

White, who was appointed by US President Donald Trump, argued that academic freedom protects researchers who challenge institutional narratives.

The ultimate goal of free speech is to overturn lies, fraud, and false ideologies. That is precisely what Cofnas was doing, and that is precisely why his home institution wants to silence him.

Plagiarism claims and Arday's death

The dispute stems from allegations Cofnas published on his personal blog in July 2026 regarding the doctoral dissertation of Jason Arday. Arday made headlines three years earlier when he was appointed Cambridge University's youngest Black professor. On 5 August 2026, the 41-year-old British scholar resigned from his position as professor of sociology of education following coverage of the plagiarism accusations and scrutiny of his curriculum vitae.

In mid-August 2026, Arday was found dead at his home in Battersea, South London. Metropolitan Police stated that they do not treat his death as suspicious, suspecting suicide or natural causes. Arday's family stated that he had been targeted by a bullying campaign filled with rumors regarding his research and private life. Commentators and conservative media outlets in Britain had seized on Cofnas's claims to criticize diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in higher education.

Disciplinary inquiry and financial stakes

Ghent University announced on Thursday that it had launched a preliminary disciplinary investigation into Cofnas and suspended him from his postdoctoral research activities as a preventive measure. In an earlier statement signed on Wednesday by Rector Petra De Sutter and Vice-Rector Herwig Reynaert, the university administration noted that academic freedom is not unrestricted and addressed public statements made by a postdoctoral researcher.

The university clarified that the inquiry evaluates whether sufficient evidence exists to refer the case to a formal disciplinary committee for further review. The review centers on potential discriminatory conduct and public statements linked to the Arday affair, rather than the initial plagiarism research. The diplomatic dispute puts federal funding at risk. Data from USAspending.gov, reported by Politico, shows Ghent University holds two active research grants from the US Department of Defense valued at a combined $869,000.

Institutional background and political reactions

Cofnas had previously departed Cambridge University in 2024 following allegations of racism. A self-described race realist, Cofnas has published controversial arguments concerning ethnic differences in intelligence. In a guest column for The Wall Street Journal following his suspension in Belgium, Cofnas described himself as a scapegoat facing dismissal simply for speaking the truth.

Cofnas accused Ghent University of acting on political motives, pointing to Rector Petra De Sutter's past career as a prominent Belgian Green politician and deputy prime minister. On Thursday, Cofnas wrote on X that the university had suspended him and would almost certainly dismiss him. Neither the US Embassy in Belgium nor Ghent University responded to initial requests for comment from Politico.