A Rutgers University history professor, Mark Bray, has announced his departure from the United States with his family. He cited death threats and a campaign by conservative groups to have him dismissed from his position. Bray, an expert on anti-fascist groups, stated that concerns for his family's safety prompted the move to Spain.
Key Takeaways
- Rutgers professor Mark Bray is moving to Spain after receiving death threats.
- Conservative groups on campus led a campaign to have Bray fired.
- Bray was falsely labeled as an antifa member, a claim he denies.
- He will continue teaching his courses remotely from Spain.
- The incident highlights ongoing debates about free speech and academic freedom on university campuses.
Professor Cites Safety Concerns for Family
Mark Bray, an assistant professor of history at Rutgers University, confirmed his decision to relocate with his family to Spain. He made the announcement on Thursday, stating that the move was directly related to death threats he received. These threats followed an organized campaign by campus conservative organizations, including the Rutgers chapter of Turning Point USA, aimed at his termination.
Bray emphasized that his primary concern was the safety and well-being of his family. He has two young children with his wife, who is also a professor at Rutgers. The professor plans to teach his university courses remotely from his new location.
Fact Check
- Professor's Role: Mark Bray is an assistant professor of history at Rutgers University.
- Book Title: He authored "Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook."
- Teaching Start: Bray began teaching at Rutgers in 2019.
- Donation: Half of his book proceeds go to a legal-defense fund for anti-fascist protesters.
Campaign for Dismissal and False Accusations
Conservative groups on social media and on the Rutgers campus began criticizing Bray after former President Donald Trump issued an executive order. This order designated antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. Bray stated that he received a death threat late last month, which led him to move his three classes online.
Students involved with the Rutgers chapter of Turning Point USA initiated an online petition. This petition falsely claimed Bray was an "outspoken, well-known antifa member." It also referred to him as "Dr. Antifa" and called for his immediate dismissal from the university.
"I do not have any affiliation with any antifa group and don’t plan to," said Bray. He clarified his role as a scholar documenting the movement, not participating in it.
Response to Allegations and Threats
Bray has consistently denied any direct affiliation with antifa groups. He explained that his book, "Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook," is a scholarly work. It documents the philosophy and tactics of militant anti-fascist movements globally. He has taught courses on anti-fascism and terrorism at Rutgers since 2019.
Despite his denials, the online campaign continued. Bray learned about the petition calling for his ouster when a Fox News reporter contacted him for comment. Following this, he received additional threats. His home address and personal family information were posted on social media platforms, escalating his concerns.
Background on Antifa
Antifa is a broad, decentralized political movement composed of autonomous groups that oppose fascism and far-right ideologies. Its members often engage in direct action, which can include protests and counter-protests. While some actions have involved violence, the movement does not have a central leadership or formal membership structure. Critics often associate antifa with political violence, particularly in response to confrontations with white supremacists and neo-Nazis.
University's Stance and Student Group's Comments
Patti Zielinski, a spokesperson for Rutgers University, declined to comment specifically on Bray's situation. She stated that the university does not publicly discuss personnel or student conduct matters. However, Zielinski affirmed Rutgers' commitment to providing a secure environment for its community members.
Zielinski said the university is "committed to providing a secure environment — to learn, teach, work and research — where all members of our community can share their opinions without fear of intimidation or harassment."
The Rutgers chapter of Turning Point USA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, members of the group have previously told reporters they believe they have a right to express their concerns about Bray. Megyn Doyle, a Rutgers student and treasurer for the Turning Point USA chapter, told Fox News that they believe a teacher who "promotes political violence" puts conservative students at risk.
The group's online petition now includes a statement. It clarifies that it does not support harassment or doxing, which is the act of publishing private information without consent, targeting Bray or anyone else.
Earlier Controversies and Broader Implications
This is not the first time Bray has faced public criticism. In 2017, while a lecturer at Dartmouth College, he made comments in news interviews that drew attention. During an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press," he suggested that violent self-defense could be "a legitimate response" to violence by white supremacists and neo-Nazis.
However, Bray clarified his position to The Associated Press, stating that he "does not wish violence upon anyone." His current departure plans were initially reported by NJ.com.
Bray views his experience as part of a larger effort to suppress open discussion on college campuses. He believes it represents an attempt to connect legitimate protest with terrorism. He also sees it as an effort to equate public academic work with extremism.
"This is an example of the Trump administration trying to conflate protest with terrorism and public scholarship in a university with extremism," Bray said. "Ultimately, it’s manufactured outrage to create a boogeyman term to demonize protests."
Bray intends to reside in Spain and teach remotely for the current academic year. He hopes to return to the Rutgers campus in the fall of next year. His initial travel plans were delayed when his family's flight reservations were unexpectedly canceled shortly before takeoff.
