US ambassador to Belgium claims he got Ghent academic reinstated after Jason Arday scandal

The increasingly assertive US ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, has boasted on social media that he brokered an “amicable agreement” to reinstate academic Nathan Cofnas at Ghent University, following Cofnas’ suspension after Cambridge sociology professor Jason Arday committed suicide. “I am – and the United States is – happy Nathan Cofnas is back to work doing what @ugent hired him to do,” said White, in a post on X late Thursday (27 August). After speaking with all parties, I am pleased to see that Ghent University and Nathan Cofnas have amicably reached an agreement to lift Mr. Cofnas' suspension, which will enable him to complete his one-year postdoctoral appointment. I look forward to working with Ghent University… https://t.co/dyDcu4TCH7— U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White (@USAmbToBelgium) August 27, 2026 White had previously threatened to suspend all US relations with Ghent university and accused the institution of “scapegoating mob behavior” after its rector, Petra De Sutter, suspended Cofnas for his role in events that led to Arday’s death. However, a Ghent university employee, told EUobserver in an email that the investigation into Cofnas was still ongoing and that the ambassador had no real influence in lifting the suspension. To read this story, log in or subscribeEnjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a subscriber for as low as €1,75 per week.Read without limitsAlready a subscriber? Login