Rutgers Professor Mark Bray Relocates to Europe After Receiving Death Threats Over Antifa Teachings

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - October 6, 2025 Rutgers University history professor Mark Bray announced he is temporarily relocating to Europe after receiving a string of death threats tied to his public scholarship on antifascism.

Bray, who began teaching at Rutgers in 2019, informed his students that his fall courses would transition to online format while he and his family reside abroad for the remainder of the academic year. The threats escalated in late September following increased media attention and a petition launched by the Rutgers chapter of Turning Point USA calling for his dismissal.

The petition accused Bray of aligning with antifa and endangering conservative students. His critics pointed to his book Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook, which Bray says examines the history and theory of antifascist activism—not an endorsement of violence.

In his message to students, Bray said, “Since my family and I do not feel safe in our home at the moment, we are moving for the year to Europe.” He also expressed hope of returning, describing the episode as a cautionary moment in U.S. academic and civic life.

Rutgers’ administration has acknowledged the petition and threats, stating it is “gathering more information about this evolving situation.” Legal and free-speech advocates warn that episodes like this may chill academic inquiry in controversial fields such as radicalism, protest, and political ideologies.

*Sources: *https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/07/rutgers-professor-turning-point-usa