Appointment of controversial “race researcher” questioned by 300 staff and students at Ghent University

300 staff and students at Ghent University have sent an email raising concerns about the appointment of science philosopher Nathan Cofnas. VRT NEWS has also spoken to one of the signatories.

Cofnas makes controversial statements about race. He also stands accused of propagating pseudoscientific theories about race. He is now working as a researcher in the Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences at Ghent University. In an open letter published in daily De Standaard nearly 50 academics have also asked Ghent University for an explanation.

‘We want the rectorate to investigate the statements and provide more explanation’

Protests against the appointment exist at other faculties too. ‘The ethical code of Ghent University is clear. One of its provisions is that freedom of expression is limited. It is not permitted to spread ideas about the superiority of one race over another. That is precisely what Cofnas clearly does in his writings,’ says Pieter Beck, postdoctoral researcher.

‘Cofnas explicitly talks about the intellectual superiority of white, male individuals. He also advocates racial segregation. We therefore suspect that his research for Ghent University will not ignore his discriminatory statements,’ the letter states.

The letter’s signatories list several examples of problematic statements. ‘In one of his blog posts, Cofnas states that black people cannot hold top positions in a society where everyone is judged on their merits. He also argues that politicians must intervene to ensure a good racial composition in society,’ says Beck.

‘We want more explanation. The rectorate can look at all these statements themselves and compare them with what is in the ethics code. How can this be allowed? We want an explanation.’

‘Dissenting opinions are allowed to exist at a university’

UGent rector Petra De Sutter wishes only to respond in writing. ‘I understand the outrage and concern. For many people, the statements referred to are hurtful and disturbing. They affect me too. As rector, I want to make it clear that we are not ignoring these signals. We will therefore continue to monitor the recruitment process within the applicable legal and institutional framework.’

‘Recruitment is a decision for the promoter, based on criteria including publication record and expertise, and is reviewed by the HR department. That is what happened and his appointment was approved. Dissenting opinions are allowed to exist and debate must take place at a university. It is primarily up to experts and fellow researchers to test ideas, criticise them and, where necessary, contradict them.’

‘I therefore want to continue the discussion on this subject with all those involved and ensure that the concerns expressed today are taken seriously within our university community.’

‘Connection with Ghent University lends credibility to controversial ideas’

Supporters of Cofnas's appointment call the commotion politically motivated. They claim that there is pressure from left-wing circles to “cancel” the philosopher and say this an example of “woke” behaviour.

"If there are problematic links between political forces and academic work, it is precisely with people like Cofnas. There is a link with extreme right-wing groups," Beck responds.

‘This man presents pseudo-scientific research on racial differences as fact. He is part of a broader network of figures who try to establish ties with institutions in order to give their ideas a semblance of credibility. That is what concerns us most,’ says Beck. ‘It is a way of legitimising and spreading these theories.’