Ghent University allows Nathan Cofnas to resume remote work amid plagiarism inquiry

Ghent University has permitted Nathan Cofnas, the US academic who accused late Cambridge University professor Jason Arday of plagiarism, to resume selected academic work while a disciplinary inquiry continues, the Belgian institution announced on Friday.

Arday, once celebrated as Cambridge's youngest Black professor, was found dead at the age of 41 in London this month, days after resigning from his position. Arday had denied the plagiarism allegations while acknowledging that he made mistakes.

Ghent University subsequently suspended Cofnas "as a precautionary measure" upon launching an investigation, which Cofnas said was looking into possible discrimination.

In Friday's statement, Ghent announced Cofnas could resume academic duties at the university while the inquiry proceeded, on the condition that he worked remotely and did not engage in teaching.

The plagiarism claims against Arday attracted significant media coverage, raising questions about other elements of Arday's life, including statements he made about his career, personal life and medical conditions.

Ghent also confirmed that it had been in contact with the US ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, concerning Cofnas.

"Ghent University confirms that it has been in contact with the US Ambassador," it said in an email, confirming White's social media post.

Posting on X late on Thursday, Cofnas wrote that his suspension period was over, thanking White for taking an active interest in his case.

Cofnas moved to Ghent after Cambridge University's Emmanuel College severed its association with him when students expressed concern over his blog posts, which argued that in a meritocracy "blacks would disappear from almost all high-profile positions outside of sports and entertainment".

Cofnas insists he is not a racist and is currently locked in a legal dispute with Emmanuel College.

Arday's death triggered intense debate surrounding racism in British academic circles and the wider media.

Before his death, Arday repeatedly said the public attacks upon him were taking a heavy toll on him and his family.

A vigil for Arday was held last week, with thousands attending the event at London’s Trafalgar Square, while some high-profile speakers called out the media coverage prior to his death.

An inquest into Arday’s opened earlier this week.