🧵1/2 Something very worrying has been happening since controversy erupted over the open letter signed by more than 950 academics raising academic-freedom concerns about disciplinary proceedings against Dr Nathan Cofnas at Ghent University. Cofnas, a philosopher who describes himself as a “race realist”, was among those who publicly scrutinised the academic work of Cambridge University’s youngest ever black professor, Dr Jason Arday. The letter argues that academics must remain free to raise evidence of alleged research misconduct without being punished for doing so. CAF has since been contacted by a growing number of signatories worried about professional repercussions and ostracism within their departments for having put their names to it. They have shown us ideologically charged abuse from colleagues and peers, outlandish accusations of being funded by billionaire right-wing political figures in the US, and complaints denouncing them as racists or supporters of race eugenics. Some complaints have been sent to senior university administrators and institutional bodies with which the academics are affiliated, in some cases explicitly calling for disciplinary action. In one case seen by CAF, a senior academic manager wrote directly to a signatory to tell them they were wrong to sign, before reminding them that, under university policy, academic freedom and freedom of speech are qualified rights. CAF is taking up some of these cases directly with the universities concerned, reminding them of their legal duties to secure freedom of speech within the law and protect academic freedom. The wider chilling effect should not be underestimated. Academics who experience this themselves, or simply hear about it through departmental gossip, will inevitably think twice before adding their voice to the next important but contentious public debate. If you signed the letter and are now facing pressure from colleagues or your institution, please get in touch. CAF can advise, intervene with universities, and arrange specialist legal assistance where necessary. Email [email protected].