Moskowitz, who runs the course, said adding Kushner to the lineup of contemporary Jewish-American authors was a snag for the three-year-old class, which brings students together with the authors they read.
The class filled up with 25 seniors on the first day of registration. In past years, authors like Michael Chabon have also visited the course, which is funded by an undisclosed gift from alumnus David Bruce Smith, a former trustee.
It took an extra gift from Smith to attract Kushner, who asks a hefty speaking fee, which Moskowitz would not disclose.
Kushner is most famous for writing “Angels in America,” a two-part play that sets religion, sexuality and politics behind a backdrop of a country enduring the early part of the AIDS epidemic.
“It aroused a lot of attention at the time and it’s remained a very important play. Not only because of its politics, but because of the power of Kushner’s writing,” Moskowitz said.
The article does not mention that the recipient of the “hefty speaking fee” has promoted bigotry against religious groups, especially Mormons and Catholics. Much of his play “Angels in America” ridicules and attacks members of the LDS church, and he has accused Pope John Paul II of endorsing the murder of gay people simply for defending Church teaching. GWU has the right to invite Kushner as a speaker, but attendees should be aware of his bigoted views.