An associate professor at Haverford College, Guangtian Ha, is facing federal cyberstalking charges following accusations of a prolonged online antisemitic intimidation campaign targeting a Jewish colleague and his family. Prosecutors have presented evidence showing Ha sent antisemitic and threatening messages.
Allegations and Arrest
Guangtian Ha, a professor of religion at Haverford College, was arrested on October 6. The federal indictment outlines serious allegations against him, suggesting he conducted the intimidation campaign from October 9, 2025, through May 20, 2026. Ha reportedly used anonymous social media accounts to send threatening messages and share images of his colleague’s mailbox.
Lori Lowenthal Marcus, legal director of The Deborah Project, spoke about the messages. She highlighted the prevalent anti-Zionist rhetoric that serves as a facade for antisemitism. Marcus noted that Ha’s messages were primarily filled with hate speech against Jews.
Details of the Intimidation Campaign
On October 9, 2025, Ha allegedly used an anonymous social media account named “America1st33509” to reply to the victim’s social media posts. The responses included images of the victim’s home mailbox accompanied by threatening emoji symbols.
During winter 2026, Ha allegedly used another account named “America1stLM” to post several threatening messages. The username “LM” referred to Lower Merion Township, which has a significant Jewish population near the college.
Ha’s messages included severe antisemitic remarks and threats, which prompted the victim and his family to enhance their security measures. Ha reportedly continued to mock these precautions and escalated his threats in subsequent posts.
Further Developments
The frequency and severity of the threats led to FBI involvement. Despite Ha’s attempts to hide his identity using virtual private networks (VPNs), authorities traced the messages back to him.
Following a federal custody hearing, Ha was ordered detained on October 13. Haverford College responded by placing Ha on administrative leave, barring him from campus while legal proceedings continue.
Haverford College’s Stance
Wendy Raymond, President of Haverford College, expressed her distress over the allegations. She condemned any form of harassment or discrimination, stating they contradicted the college’s values. Raymond confirmed that the college is in contact with the victims and has been cooperating with law enforcement.
Implications for Academic Freedom
Lori Lowenthal Marcus remarked on the tension between academic freedom and harassment. She emphasized that threats and harassment cross legal borders and must be addressed promptly.
A federal civil rights lawsuit was filed against Haverford College due in part to Ha’s social media activity. The suit cites several posts in which Ha threatened individuals who disagreed with him on issues relating to Gaza.
Lowenthal Marcus hopes the indictment will prompt educational institutions to address antisemitic harassment more vigorously, recognizing the term “Zionist” as often used to disguise antisemitic sentiments.