Who is Nathan Cofnas?
He was researcher at Emmanuel College, part of the University of Cambridge. He was not a professor, but a research fellow / member of academic staff. He was forced to leave Cambridge in 2024 following internal controversy surrounding his publications and views.
He was recruited as a researcher by Ghent University early 2026 @ Ghent University Postdoc, Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences.
Following his criticism surrounding Jason Arday’s work and position at Cambridge he was suspended in August 2026 by Vice-Chancellor Petra De Sutter.
The suspension led to international controversy and a.o. response from the US ambassador to Belgium – Bill White.
What Cofnas’s “race realist theory” claims
Cofnas argues that:
- Average IQ differences between human populations are partly genetic, not only shaped by environment.
- These group averages supposedly explain differences in social outcomes, such as income, education, or crime rates.
- He says that modern academic and political institutions deny these genetic differences, creating unrealistic expectations about equality.
- He frames this as “race realism,” meaning accepting biological group differences as real and socially relevant.
Why mainstream science rejects his conclusions
Across genetics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology, Cofnas’ s claims are considered scientifically unsupported:
1. “Race” is not a clear biological category – Human genetic variation is continuous, not divided into discrete races. Populations overlap heavily.
2. IQ is not a pure genetic trait – IQ is strongly shaped by education quality, poverty, nutrition, stress, discrimination, early childhood environment. Genetics plays a role, but environment dominates group differences.
3. Cofnas cherry‑picks evidence – He relies on older or disputed studies, ignores contradictory findings, and makes causal claims from correlations.
4. His conclusions resemble historical racial science – Many scholars argue that his framework repackages outdated ideas with modern statistical language.
How academics view his theory
Most researchers describe his work as methodologically flawed, ideologically motivated, misrepresenting genetics, vulnerable to racist misuse. Even philosophers who defend academic freedom often reject his scientific claims.
Cofnas’ s “race realist theory” asserts that genetic group differences explain IQ and social inequality. The scientific consensus is that this is incorrect, reductionist, and socially harmful.
Nathan Cofnas and Jewish ancestry: what is the relationship?
1. Cofnas is Jewish by background. Nathan Cofnas has publicly stated that he was raised Jewish. His family background is part of the Ashkenazi Jewish community.
2. His surname is of Jewish origin. The surname Cofnas / Kofnas appears in genealogical records as an Eastern‑European Jewish (Ashkenazi) family name, found in Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine as a variant of Kofnas, Kofnes, Kofnasz (Polish spelling)
3. Likely derived from a Yiddish/Hebrew nickname based on the Hebrew letter ק(kof), which literally means “monkey” in Hebrew. Now it is clear!!
An than there is the US Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, who says that the United States will review all its relations with Ghent University in the wake of the Nathan Cofnas case.
What exactly is Ambassador Bill White saying?
- The US regularly funds and supports research and academic collaboration with foreign universities.
- “Unfair and corrupt institutions” that engage in scapegoating are, in his view, not partners for the US.
- He claims that Ghent University is trying to “silence” Cofnas because, according to him, he exposed fraud and misguided ideologies.
- Therefore, the US will “review all its relations with Ghent University.”
Context of his statement
- White views Cofnas’s suspension as ideologically motivated.
- He emphasises that controversial views are protected by freedom of expression.
- He points out that Ghent University was aware of Cofnas’s views when it recruited him.
Conclusion
The US Ambassador to Belgium is openly and strongly taking a stand against Ghent University in the Cofnas case and has announced that the US will review its cooperation with the university.
Fortunately for Bill White the Bible approves to LGBTQ+ people
Genesis 1:27 – Everyone is created in God’s image – “God created humankind in his own image.” This means that all people have intrinsic dignity, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Isaiah 56:3–5 – Inclusion of those who are ‘different’ – Isaiah speaks positively of people who fall outside traditional categories (such as “the stranger” and “the eunuch”). God promises them: “I will give them a name that will never be blotted out.” This is seen as a powerful text on the inclusion of gender-diverse people.
Matthew 22:37–40 – The commandment of love – Jesus says that the whole of faith revolves around: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ love is the highest commandment.
Acts 10 – God excludes no one – Peter says: “God does not discriminate.” This is often cited to emphasise that communities must not exclude any groups.
Galatians 3:28 – Equality in Christ – “There is neither man nor woman: you are all one in Christ.” this as a break with strict gender roles.
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