I used to live just blocks away from the New School, which sits right on top of the gayest neighborhood this side of San Francisco.
I couldn’t say for sure but I’d say there is a high likelihood that is the case. What other motive to invite this man to do work he was explicitly unsuited for?
Could be. I’ve heard of “rough trade” but jihadi rough trade? Phew!
New School was established by Communist professors fleeing Hitler. Any professor there would be well to the Left of Trotsky.