Zach Dickson

@zachdickson.bsky.social

postdoc at LSE researching party competition and climate politics

https://z-dickson.github.io/

@jowiph.bsky.socialReposted by @zachdickson.bsky.social

Academic freedom is when a foreign government dictates how and even whether a university investigates misconduct

Sunder Katwala (sundersays)@sundersays.bsky.social

Nathan Cofnas and the US Ambassador to Belgium say that the University of Ghent have now lifted his suspension, thanking the US government for supporting him (with threats of retaliation). The Ambassador says that Cofnas will be able to complete his one year appointment to March 2027.

I am grateful to Rector Petra De Sutter for allowing me to stay at Ghent University. I look forward to continuing to work on the project, “The Future of Liberalism,” for 60% of my working time for the remainder of my one-year postdoc. I wish to personally thank Ambassador @BillWhiteUSA . It was beyond my imagination that such a person would take an interest in the fate of a postdoc. The Ambassador responded with great support which helped to bring about a just outcome. Thank you, @USAmbToBelgium and @StateDept for defending American values. I am proud of my country.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 rector Petra De Sutter to continue the relationship between the university and the United States. I am grateful for her willingness to listen to voices calling for protecting academic freedom.
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