Professors Rally Support for Colleague Amid Political Tension

In a recent online event, academics from Rutgers University and other institutions came together to support Mark Bray, a professor who has recently relocated to Spain following President Donald Trump’s announcement against Antifa. The fundraiser generated over $42,000 by Wednesday, showcasing strong backing from fellow scholars.

Among the donors were several Rutgers faculty members. For instance, Jamie Pietruska, associate professor of history, made a personal contribution. Other notable donations came from Jacques Bouchard and Aldo Lauria, both assistant professors of history, as well as Jochen Hellbeck, who is vice chair of graduate education. An emeritus professor, Tema Kaplan, contributed $450, while François Corniglia donated $100.

Professors from across the country participated as well. Celso Thomas Castillo, from Vanderbilt University, donated $150, and Manisha Sinha from the University of Connecticut donated $200. In total, 518 individuals contributed to the campaign hosted on a platform called Freefunder by Dray Bal, a friend of Bray and his wife, Yesenia Barragan, who is also a professor at Rutgers.

The fundraiser’s description expressed urgency, stating, “As our friends suddenly flee the country in search of safety, we are reaching out to you to ask for your modest support,” and mentioned that Bray has faced violent targeting from conservative groups.

Bray, sometimes labeled “Dr. Antifa” in petitions calling for his removal from campus, disclosed recent threats and the exposure of his address as reasons for leaving. He has authored a book titled “Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook,” which promotes the idea of “militant anti-fascism” and pledges considerable proceeds to support the International Anti-Fascist Defense Fund.

In a recent online statement, Bray emphasized collective action in combating fascism, asserting, “Only collective anti-fascism, legal or not, can save us.”

Bray’s departure has stirred considerable discourse on campus, with groups calling for the university community to defend professors like him. Antifa, a far-left movement, continues to be at the center of political debates, particularly following President Trump’s designation of the group as a domestic terrorist organization.

As of now, Rutgers University has not commented publicly regarding this situation.