A Rutgers University professor, known for his academic work on anti-fascism, reported that his family's flight to Europe was unexpectedly canceled on Wednesday. This event occurred hours after a White House gathering focused on addressing left-wing groups. The professor, Mark Bray, stated that their reservations "disappeared" moments before boarding at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Key Takeaways
- Professor Mark Bray's flight to Spain was canceled at the last minute.
- The incident followed a White House event targeting left-wing groups.
- Bray has faced death threats and online harassment.
- He plans to relocate to Europe for the rest of the year.
- Rutgers University emphasized its commitment to academic freedom.
Flight Disruption and Professor's Account
Mark Bray, a historian and author of the 2017 book “Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook,” shared details of the cancellation on social media. He explained that his family had obtained boarding passes, checked their luggage, and passed through security. However, upon reaching their gate, their reservation with United Airlines was no longer valid.
Bray described the situation on Bluesky, stating,
“‘Someone’ cancelled my family’s flight out of the country at the last second.”He added that the airline later rebooked his family for a flight scheduled for Thursday evening. The professor expressed suspicion regarding the timing of the cancellation.
Quick Fact
Professor Mark Bray published "Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook" in 2017, a book that explores the history and ideology of anti-fascist movements.
Political Context and White House Focus
The flight cancellation took place as the White House reportedly increased its focus on left-wing organizations. According to Reuters, the Trump administration has initiated a multi-agency effort. This effort is led by senior aide Stephen Miller. Its goal is to scrutinize liberal nonprofits and activist groups accused of supporting political violence.
Earlier on Wednesday, the White House hosted a roundtable discussion. During this event, various far-right influencers reportedly attempted to link "antifa" with acts of violence. They also aimed to connect these actions to mainstream liberal organizations. This broader context adds to the significance of the flight incident.
Background Information
The term "antifa" refers to anti-fascist political movements. These movements typically involve a broad range of autonomous groups that use direct action to oppose fascism, racism, and other forms of far-right extremism. The term gained more public attention in recent years, often becoming a subject of political debate.
Threats and Relocation Plans
Professor Bray has been a target of harassment and threats. His home address was posted online following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. This incident led to increased security concerns for Bray and his family. Right-wing commentators and student activists have labeled Bray “Dr. Antifa” and initiated petitions for his dismissal from Rutgers University.
These groups argue that his presence at the university “puts conservative students at risk.” Bray has taught courses on anti-fascism and terrorism at Rutgers. He informed his students this week that he and his family would be moving to Europe for the remainder of the year. His terrorism course will continue remotely via Zoom.
Academic Freedom and University Response
Bray clarified his position to The New York Times, stating,
“I’ve never been part of an antifa group, and I’m not currently.”He further explained, “There’s an effort underway to paint me as someone who is doing the things that I’ve researched, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.” This statement highlights the distinction between his academic research and personal involvement.
Rutgers University declined to comment on specific personnel matters. However, the university affirmed its commitment to fostering a safe environment. According to the Times, Rutgers aims to ensure “where all members of our community can share their opinions without fear of intimidation or harassment.” This stance underscores the university's dedication to academic freedom principles.
Support from Academic Organizations
The Rutgers American Association of University Professors and the American Federation of Teachers union issued a joint statement of solidarity. They expressed support for Professor Bray and his family. Their statement highlighted concerns about efforts to suppress academic discourse.
The statement read,
“Turning Point’s attack is part of an escalating effort by the far right to suppress the speech, teaching, and scholarship of faculty who do not conform to their movement’s politics.”It also condemned the attempts to portray Bray as a threat, calling it “an affront to Rutgers’ values of academic freedom.” The organizations warned that silence against such actions could embolden further attacks on academic freedom.
This support from academic unions emphasizes the importance of protecting scholars who research controversial topics. It also highlights the ongoing debate about free speech and academic freedom within educational institutions.
