Haverford College Professor Charged with Cyberstalking Over Alleged Antisemitic Campaign

Guangtian Ha, an associate professor of religion at Haverford College, faces federal charges for allegedly conducting a cyberstalking campaign against a Jewish colleague. According to prosecutors, Ha used antisemitic language and threats in messages sent over several months.

Ha was arrested on October 6, following allegations outlined in the federal indictment. From October 9, 2025, to May 20, 2026, Ha purportedly used anonymous accounts to send threatening messages and images, including the colleague’s mailbox.

Lori Lowenthal Marcus, the legal director of The Deborah Project, pointed out that the messages reflect a harsh reality of anti-Zionism on campuses. “Initially directed at Zionists, the posts reveal deep-seated hatred against Jews, along with death threats,” she stated.

Lowenthal Marcus emphasized concerns that the term ‘Zionist’ served as a code word for Jews. The indictment includes details of messages that Ha allegedly sent from accounts like ‘America1st33509,’ which included images and hateful language.

The victim and his family responded with security measures but continue facing harassment. Prosecutors described Ha mocking these measures in subsequent posts. He allegedly threatened the victim with references to historical hatred against Jews.

The indictment includes disturbing messages like ‘Jew pig, get the f— out of lower Merion,’ demanding the Jewish colleague leave his community.

Ha’s threats escalated, causing the FBI to step in. Despite attempts to hide his identity using VPNs, authorities tracked the messages back to Ha.

Authorities detained Ha pending trial after an October 13 hearing, confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Haverford College President Wendy Raymond expressed dismay over the accusations.

“Harassment based on identity contradicts our values and is unacceptable. Ha is on administrative leave,” Raymond stated. The college remains in contact with the alleged victims and cooperates with law enforcement.

Legal expert Lowenthal Marcus noted that while Middle Eastern political speech maintains protection under academic freedom, harassment and threats breach legal boundaries.

She urges institutions to recognize antisemitic harassment and no longer hide behind free speech protection. Previous civil rights lawsuits against the college named Ha’s social media posts.

Ha’s statements, including ones targeting silences on Gaza, have drawn legal attention. His posts aimed to disconnect Zionism from Judaism, referred to as a modern racist ideology.

Lowenthal Marcus hopes the indictment deters similar behaviors and prompts educational institutions to recognize harmful rhetoric masked as anti-Zionism.