A Rutgers University professor known for authoring an Antifa “handbook” has relocated to Spain following an online petition accusing him of being “Antifa aligned” and claims of receiving death threats. Mark Bray, an assistant teaching professor at the university, announced his move in late October 2025, citing a shift in the academic environment.
Bray, who wrote Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook in 2017, faced criticism for allegedly supporting political violence and funding Antifa-aligned causes. Megyn Doyle, a student and treasurer of Rutgers’ Turning Point USA chapter, spearheaded the petition, which gathered over 950 signatures. The document accused Bray of promoting “militant anti-fascism” and labeling conservative figures as fascists. Doyle called for his termination, arguing that his advocacy for a “violent extremist movement” was incompatible with his role as an educator.
Bray denied being a member of any Antifa group, 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 trend under the Trump administration, claiming it targeted academic freedom and marginalized dissenting voices.
Dartmouth University, where Bray previously taught, had distanced itself from his remarks in 2020, noting that his statements on violent protest did not reflect institutional values. Rutgers has acknowledged the situation but declined to comment further, stating it is collecting information. 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 educational integrity. The incident highlights growing tensions over ideological divides in academia, with conservatives increasingly challenging progressive figures using similar tactics.
