NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – A group of Rutgers University students has launched a protest and circulated statements expressing concern over the employment of Dr. Mark Bray, a history lecturer and author known for his writings on anti-fascist movements.
The students, who refer to Bray as “Dr. Antifa” in their materials, argue that his past public comments and writings—particularly his 2017 book Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook—promote what they view as militant political activism. They claim that having such a figure on the university’s faculty poses a safety risk to conservative students on campus.
“While we support the First Amendment and free speech, this goes beyond academic discourse,” read one statement shared among students. “It’s about protecting students from rhetoric that could incite hostility or violence against them.”
Bray, who previously taught at Dartmouth College, has described his work as a historical exploration of anti-fascist movements rather than a call to action. In past interviews, he has defended the group ANTIFA as a philosophy of resistance to authoritarianism, though critics contend that the movement’s tactics cross into violent territory.
The Rutgers students are urging University President William F. Tate IV to review the situation, citing his earlier post on X (formerly Twitter) stating, “Ideas are rarely safe, but the people who share them must always be.”
The protest group is calling for increased transparency regarding university hiring practices and for Rutgers to reaffirm its commitment to maintaining a politically neutral and safe academic environment.
University officials have not yet issued a formal statement in response to the protest, and there is no indication of disciplinary action or investigation at this time.
