Cambridge College Cuts Ties with Philosophy Fellow Amid Race Row
Emmanuel College at the University of Cambridge has made the decision to sever ties with Nathan Cofnas, a philosophy fellow whose remarks sparked a significant race-related controversy. Cofnas, an early career research fellow in the Faculty of Philosophy, faced backlash after making contentious statements regarding racial equality and meritocracy.
The controversy erupted when Cofnas suggested in a blog post that in a true meritocracy, “blacks would disappear from almost all high-profile positions outside of sports and entertainment.” He further dismissed racial equality as “based on lies,” stating, “In a meritocracy, Harvard faculty would be recruited from the best of the best students, which means the number of black professors would approach 0 per cent.”
Emmanuel College, in a letter dated April 5, informed Cofnas of its decision to terminate his research affiliation. The college’s Faculty of Philosophy stated that Cofnas’s blog post amounted to a rejection of diversity, equality, and inclusion policies. They emphasized that such ideas challenged the college’s core values and mission, which revolve around achieving educational excellence inseparable from diversity and inclusion.
While initially defending Cofnas’s academic freedom, Doug Chalmers, master of Emmanuel College, acknowledged that the controversy had broader implications. He emphasized the importance of universities standing by their commitment to freedom of thought and expression. However, others, including Lord Woolley, principal of Cambridge’s Homerton College, condemned Cofnas’s remarks as “abhorrent racism.”
This isn’t the first time Cofnas has faced criticism for his views. In 2019, he published an article claiming “gaps” in IQ between different racial groups, which stirred controversy. The recent decision to cut ties with him follows protests by students and a petition signed by 1,200 people in 2022, demanding his dismissal from his Leverhulme Trust-funded post.
Cambridge University has affirmed its commitment to meritocracy, with Prof Bhaskar Vira stating, “everyone at Cambridge has earned their place on merit.” However, the university also acknowledges the importance of fostering an inclusive environment.
Emmanuel College, established in 1584, boasts a prestigious alumni list including novelist Hugh Walpole, mathematician John Wallis, and John Harvard, one of the founders of Harvard College.
The recent development has drawn attention to the complex balance between academic freedom and responsibility within educational institutions. While freedom of thought and expression are paramount, they must be exercised responsibly, especially in matters as sensitive as race and equality.
The Telegraph has reached out to both Emmanuel College and Nathan Cofnas for comment, highlighting the ongoing interest and debate surrounding this issue.
