Edward I. Koch 1290 Avenue of the Americas Tel: (212) 541-2100 37° Floor Fax: (212) 541-1321 ‘New York, New York 10104 E-Mail: eikoch@bryancave.com May 5, 2011 Benno Schmidt, B.A., J.D. Chairman Board of Trustees of the City University of New York 535 East 80" Street ‘New York, NY 10075 Dear Mr. Schmidt: Tread with considerable distress The New York Times article of May 4 reporting that “the trustees of the City University of New York have voted to shelve an honorary degree that one of its campuses, John Jay College, planned to award to Tony Kushner.” ‘The reason given is that Mr. Kushner “had disparaged the State of Israel in past comments, a characterization that the writer attacked.” The action resulted from the opposition to the award offered by trustee Jeff Wiesenfeld. Tcan’t think of a dumber academic action. What does Kushner receiving an award have to do with criticism of the State of Israel? Iam a well-known supporter of that nation. What if I were denied an honorary degree because of my strong support for that state? That would make as much sense as denying Mr. Kushner a degree. Mr. Wiesenfeld and the trustees who followed his request should immediately reverse their action and urge Mr. Kushner to forgive them. I consider Mr. Wiesenfeld’s action so outrageous as to be an abuse of power on his part requiring his resignation or removal from the Board of Trustees. All the best. Sincerely, AG 2. Edward I. Koel