Petition Launched Against Rutgers Professor Considered ‘Antifa Aligned’
Students associated with the Turning Point USA chapter at Rutgers University have initiated a petition advocating for the dismissal of Professor Mark Bray, who they label as “Antifa Aligned.” Megin Doyle, a student and treasurer of the chapter, stated in an interview that the petition’s aim is to push for Bray’s termination.
“I think political violence directed toward conservative students is an increasing concern,” Doyle noted, mentioning that this environment makes them feel unsafe. She expressed that Bray, especially due to his book, *Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook*, propagates radical ideas that could incite more violence.
The petition, released on a Thursday, highlights their unease regarding Bray’s employment at the university, calling him an outspoken member of ANTIFA. Doyle said, “Having a figurehead from the ANTIFA movement on campus presents a real threat to conservative students.”
Bray, an assistant professor at Rutgers, is known for writing *Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook*, where he asserts that a portion of his earnings goes to the International Anti-Fascist Defense Fund. He has also authored several other works touching on anarchism.
Ava Kwan, another student from the Turning Point USA chapter, expressed that the recent assassination of their founder, Charlie Kirk, serves as a wake-up call for students about the political climate on campus. She shared a sense of fear that individuals promoting violence might feel emboldened on their college grounds.
“Political violence is a troubling reality right now. It feels like it’s being normalized, especially with how certain public figures are treated,” Doyle remarked, conveying her anxiety about the acceptance of such attitudes.
Reflecting on his past appearances on platforms like *Meet the Press*, Bray has defended ANTIFA’s tactics, arguing that individuals sometimes need to take measures to protect themselves from threats. He recently commented on Trump’s designation of antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, countering that it is misleading and more about pushing agendas than factual representation.
The discourse around Bray and his teachings is indicative of larger conversations about free speech and safety on campuses across the country. As tensions rise, many are questioning how universities should handle differing political ideologies within their faculties.
