Rutgers Professor Known as ‘Dr. Antifa’ to Resume Teaching Communism Seminar in Spring 2026
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Mark Bray, the Rutgers University assistant professor of history widely known by the nickname “Dr. Antifa,” is set to teach a seminar on communism in the spring semester of 2026, according to the Rutgers history department’s official social media channels. Bray, who fled the United States earlier this year after receiving doxxing threats and facing a campus petition calling for his removal, will return to lead History Seminar 506:401, simply titled “Communism.”
Bray first attracted national attention for his 2017 book, Antifa: The Antifascist Handbook, which advocates for militant anti-fascism and controversially endorses tactics such as doxxing to combat fascist groups. The book’s proceeds, Bray has stated, partially support the International Anti-Fascist Defense Fund, an organization administered by hundreds of antifa activists across multiple countries. This connection has drawn sharp criticism, especially since the United States government has designated Antifa as a domestic terror organization.
In October 2025, the Rutgers Turning Point USA chapter launched a petition demanding Bray’s removal from his teaching position, citing his alleged ties to Antifa and the militant rhetoric in his writings. The controversy escalated to the point where Bray publicly announced he and his wife, Yesenia Barragan, also a Rutgers history associate professor, had left the country for Spain due to safety concerns stemming from doxxing and harassment.
Despite the uproar, the Rutgers history department has maintained that Bray’s seminar will proceed as planned. The department’s webpage highlights that their history seminars are designed for juniors and seniors, feature small class sizes capped at 15 students, and require substantial research papers for credit. The course offerings span a wide range of historical periods and geographic areas, with Bray’s seminar focusing on the ideological and historical dimensions of communism.
Rutgers Chancellor has previously responded to the controversy by launching a campus safety review and an academic freedom task force to address concerns raised by students and faculty alike. The university’s commitment to academic freedom remains a focal point amid the debates surrounding Bray’s return.
Bray’s case underscores the ongoing tensions on college campuses nationwide over free speech, political activism, and the boundaries of academic inquiry. The U.S. Department of Education has previously emphasized the importance of protecting both free expression and campus safety, a balance that institutions like Rutgers continue to navigate.
As Bray prepares to resume teaching, the national conversation surrounding Antifa, political extremism, and academic responsibilities remains highly charged. The seminar is expected to attract significant attention given Bray’s notoriety and the broader political climate.
For students interested in enrolling, the Rutgers history department encourages prospective participants to review course details on their official site and prepare for an in-depth exploration of communism’s complex history and legacy. More information about academic policies and campus safety initiatives can be found through Rutgers’ official channels and the American Civil Liberties Union, which monitors issues related to free speech in educational settings.
This development comes amid a broader national debate about the role of controversial figures in academia and the extent to which universities should accommodate politically divisive viewpoints. The Rutgers case will likely serve as a reference point in ongoing discussions about academic freedom, campus security, and ideological diversity.
For further updates on this story and related campus issues, the Department of Education and Rutgers University’s official communications remain key sources of verified information.
Leave a Reply