American academic Nathan Cofnas, who brought plagiarism allegations against late Cambridge University professor Jason Arday into the public spotlight, has been barred from teaching at Ghent University for three months while being allowed to continue limited research remotely.
The Belgian university imposed the disciplinary measure following an earlier precautionary suspension of Cofnas after Arday’s death.
Under the new restrictions, Cofnas is required to work remotely and is prohibited from carrying out teaching activities during the three-month period. His research work has also been restricted to the subjects for which he was appointed at the university.
The measure is expected to remain in place until November 29, while Ghent University continues a preliminary disciplinary investigation into Cofnas’s conduct.
Cofnas had attracted widespread attention after publishing allegations of plagiarism involving Arday, who became Cambridge University’s youngest Black professor in 2023.
The allegations triggered intense scrutiny of Arday’s academic work and aspects of his professional and personal history. Arday denied plagiarism, although he acknowledged errors in some of his academic work.
He subsequently resigned from his position as Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Cambridge in early August, saying that the relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary had taken a profound toll on him and his family.
Arday, 41, was found unresponsive at his home in Battersea, south London, on August 14 and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Metropolitan Police said his death was unexpected but was not being treated as suspicious. An inquest into the circumstances surrounding his death has since been opened.
Following Arday’s death, Ghent University initially suspended Cofnas as a precautionary measure while launching a preliminary disciplinary investigation.
Cofnas said the investigation concerned allegations that he had discriminated against Arday.
The university has now allowed him to resume some academic activities but stipulated that he must work remotely, cannot teach and must restrict his research to the areas covered by his appointment.
The controversy has generated a wider debate about academic freedom, allegations of racism and discrimination, and the handling of academic misconduct claims.
Cofnas has also faced controversy over his writings on race. He has denied being racist.
Meanwhile, the disciplinary investigation at Ghent University remains ongoing, with the institution saying it would not comment further on the details of the case while the process continues.