We were dismayed to read in The Brussels Times that Nathan Cofnas, who describes his work as “philosophy of biology,” is being hired at Ghent University. 
In this case, the label appears to function less as a neutral academic description and more as a vehicle for arguments closely aligned with race science. 

Mr. Cofnas openly shares his views on Substack and on social media.
In these venues he has repeatedly advanced claims about the supposed cognitive inferiority of Black people , along with broader arguments about the “feminization” of academia and suggestions that eugenic ideas deserve renewed scientific consideration.
These positions are often presented as scientifically grounded, yet they rely on claims that many scholars regard as pseudoscientific and inconsistent with the current consensus in genetics, psychology, and related fields.

Given the history and consequences of such ideas, it is deeply troubling to see them associated with an academic appointment.
Universities carry a responsibility not only to pursue knowledge but also to uphold rigorous intellectual standards and ethical integrity. When individuals who promote racial hierarchies framed as scientific claims, or who suggest the legitimacy of eugenic thinking, are given academic platforms, it raises serious concerns about the standards of scholarship being represented. 
We urge you to consider carefully what message this appointment sends—to students, scholars, and the broader public—about the kind of scholarship and discourse your institution is willing to legitimize. 
Therefore, we demand that Mr. Cofnas hiring is to be stopped.    
Just as the students at The University of Cambridge, we as the students at Ghent University will not in any way tolerate such blatant racism in the academic institute we are enrolled in.  
  
Sincerely, Social Sciences Students 

Cofnas, N. (2023, April 10). How to take back academia. Heterodox STEM. https://archive.is/ukSCw

The Brussels Times. (n.d.). https://www.brusselstimes.com/2007046/ghent-university-under-fire-for-appointing-us-philosopher-with-ties-to-scientific-racism%C2%A0

Twitter publish. (n.d.). https://publish.twitter.com/?url=https://twitter.com/nathancofnas/status/1969346510954410238

‘Race realist’ fellow argues for ‘preservation of racial distinctions.’ (n.d.). Varsity Online. https://www.varsity.co.uk/news/27035