Rutgers professor relocates to Europe due to death threats linked to antifa allegations.
A professor at Rutgers University, Mark Bray, has announced his decision to relocate to Europe, citing a surge in death threats prompted by an online petition demanding his dismissal. This petition was initiated by the university’s chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization, which claims that Bray is jeopardizing the safety of conservative students on campus. Bray, an academic renowned for his work on leftist movements, is the author of the book “Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook.”
In its petition, which garnered over 900 signatures, the group alleged that Bray denigrates mainstream conservative figures, referring to them as fascists, while advocating for militant responses. Megyn Doyle, the organization’s treasurer, expressed concern that Bray’s rhetoric could incite violence, claiming he puts conservative students at risk by promoting political violence.
Responding to the petition, Bray informed his students via email that he had received multiple death threats, including one that disclosed his home address. He recounted receiving a particularly threatening message shortly after negative media attention arose, which accused him of being a ‘terrorist.’ As a result of the escalating threats, Bray and his family have decided to temporarily leave the United States and will continue to provide lectures online while abroad.
Patti Zielinski, a spokesperson for Rutgers University, acknowledged the growing situation and stated that the university is actively gathering more information. Bray indicated that the threats began around late September, coinciding with a statement from the Department of Homeland Security. This statement falsely suggested that numerous “Antifa-aligned left-wing violent extremists” had engaged in lethal violence against civilians, a claim Bray vehemently contests.
The controversy surrounding Bray intensified following President Trump’s executive order that classified Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. Bray described the petition and the threats against him as part of a broader agenda by far-right groups to suppress liberal ideas in society.
In a counter-response, some Rutgers students launched their own petition aimed at disbanding the Turning Point USA chapter on campus, which they accuse of promoting hate speech and inciting violence. This petition has reportedly gathered over 1,300 signatures as of mid-week, highlighting growing divisions within the university community.
Turning Point USA, founded by Charlie Kirk, espouses a mission of promoting free speech on college campuses. However, the actions of the Rutgers chapter have prompted significant backlash, demonstrating the contentious landscape of campus politics. Bray, a graduate of Wesleyan University and a Rutgers Ph.D. holder, has focused his research on the historical resistance to fascist ideologies, including an analysis of the violent events surrounding the 2017 rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The unfolding events underscore the serious ramifications of political discourse on university campuses and raise questions about safety, free speech, and the boundaries of academic freedom.
