In a stunning turn of events that underscores the volatile intersection of academia, politics, and online activism, Rutgers University historian Mark Bray has temporarily relocated to Spain after receiving a barrage of death threats—sparked by false claims that he is a member of antifa.
Bray, a respected scholar and author of Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook, has long taught courses on anti-fascism, political extremism, and 20th-century social movements at the New Jersey university. But his academic work became a lightning rod after the conservative student group Turning Point USA labeled him an “antifa operative” in a widely shared social media post last month.
Despite repeatedly denying any affiliation with antifa—emphasizing that his role is that of a historian, not an activist—Bray says the threats escalated rapidly, including menacing emails, calls to his office, and even a suspicious vehicle parked outside his home for days.
Why the Backlash? The Antifa Misconception
The term “antifa” (short for anti-fascist) refers to a decentralized, leaderless movement opposed to far-right extremism. While some antifa-aligned individuals have engaged in confrontational tactics, the movement itself is not a formal organization—and certainly not one with membership rosters.
“Studying a movement is not the same as joining it,” Bray told The New York Times in a recent interview from Barcelona. “I’ve written about the Ku Klux Klan, too—but no one’s accusing me of being a Klansman.”
Yet the conflation of scholarship with activism has become increasingly common in today’s polarized climate. Turning Point USA’s campaign against Bray included edited video clips and misleading captions that went viral on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, fueling a wave of harassment.
University Response and Academic Freedom
Rutgers officials confirmed they are investigating the threats and have increased campus security for faculty involved in politically sensitive research. In a statement, the university affirmed its “unwavering commitment to academic freedom and the safety of our scholars.”
Still, Bray’s case has reignited debate about the risks faced by academics who study controversial topics. “When scholars are driven into exile over their research, democracy itself is under threat,” said Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a sociology professor at NYU and member of the American Association of University Professors.
A Growing Pattern of Intimidation?
Bray isn’t the first academic to face backlash for studying antifa. In 2023, a University of California professor received similar threats after publishing a paper on far-left protest tactics. What’s changed, experts say, is the speed and scale of online mobilization.
“Groups like Turning Point USA have perfected the art of turning academic work into political ammunition,” said media analyst Jamal Carter. “The goal isn’t dialogue—it’s deplatforming.”
Turning Point USA has not issued a formal apology. In a brief statement, a spokesperson said the group “stands by its right to expose radical ideologies on campus” but denied encouraging violence.
What’s Next for Bray?
Bray plans to continue teaching remotely while abroad and is working with international academic networks to document cases of scholar harassment. He hopes his experience will lead to stronger protections for researchers in the U.S.
“I didn’t leave because I was scared of ideas,” he said. “I left because people stopped seeing me as a teacher—and started seeing me as a target.”
