Haverford Professor Faces Charges for Antisemitic Harassment

An associate professor at Haverford College faces federal cyberstalking charges. He allegedly conducted a months-long antisemitic intimidation campaign against a Jewish colleague and his family. The professor, Guangtian Ha, sent messages with antisemitic language and threats.

Ha was arrested on October 6. The indictment outlines serious allegations. The alleged intimidation occurred from October 9, 2025, to May 20, 2026. Anonymous accounts were used to send threatening messages. Images of the colleague’s mailbox were also shared.

Lori Lowenthal Marcus, legal director of The Deborah Project, stated that the messages reveal the harsh reality of anti-Zionism on campus. She noted that the language was largely about hatred and threats towards Jews.

Messages from the account “America1st33509” showed the victim’s home mailbox with an eyes emoji. In January 2026, another account “America1stLM” posted further harassing messages. These posts included derogatory language and threats directed at Jews.

The indictment states the victim and his family took security precautions. Despite these efforts, Ha allegedly mocked these measures, continuing the harassment into February 2026. On April 15, Ha posted demanding the victim leave Lower Merion Township. Shortly after, he threatened the victim’s minor son.

In April and May 2026, Ha used further offensive language. His posts contained the victim’s home address. Some messages included Nazi references and a threat of a future Holocaust.

The FBI became involved due to the serious nature of the threats. Ha’s internet activity attempted to obscure his location using virtual private networks. Despite this, authorities traced the messages back to Ha.

Ha was detained pending trial according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Haverford College president, Wendy Raymond, condemned the incidents and stated the professor is on administrative leave.

She expressed distress over the allegations and confirmed contact with Ha’s alleged victims. Raymond praised the efforts of the FBI, Campus Safety, and local police.

While political discourse about the Middle East is protected, harassment and threats are not. Lowenthal Marcus highlighted this distinction, stressing the need to protect against antisemitic threats.

Ha’s social media activity has already been part of a civil rights lawsuit filed against Haverford on behalf of Jewish students. The lawsuit cited several of Ha’s posts, including threats against individuals at Haverford.

Ha has publicly described Zionism in negative terms in the past. Lowenthal Marcus emphasized the potential negative influence of such statements on students.

The indictment may prompt institutions to recognize the dangers of antisemitic harassment. Marcus hopes it will serve as a deterrent and spark recognition of harmful language.