US Academic Who Accused Cambridge Professor Jason Arday Of Plagiarism Allowed To Resume Work

Nathan Cofnas, the US academic who accused late Cambridge University professor Jason Arday of plagiarism, has been allowed to resume some of his work at Ghent University while disciplinary probe continues.

According to Reuters, Arday, once hailed as Cambridge’s youngest Black professor, was found dead at age 41 in London this month, days after resigning from his post. Arday had denied allegations of plagiarism but acknowledged making mistakes.

Ghent University subsequently suspended Cofnas “as a precautionary measure” as it opened investigation. Cofnas said the probe was into possible discrimination.

In Friday’s statement, Ghent said Cofnas could resume academic activities remotely without teaching duties while investigation continued.

Ghent also confirmed it had been in contact with the US Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, about Cofnas case.

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

Cofnas arrived at Ghent after Cambridge University’s Emmanuel College ended its association with him after students expressed concerns 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 says he is not racist and is in a legal dispute with Emmanuel College.

Arday’s death triggered intense debate about racism in the academic world and media in Britain. Before his death, Arday said public attacks were taking a toll on him and family.