Little did we all know, we’re still living in Purtian America.

According to BBC News, former speech writer for George W. Bush, Matt Latimer, said JK Rowling was considered for the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the U.S.’s top honor for civilians. She was eventually rejected, however, because some members of the Bush administration believed the Harry Potter series promoted witchcraft.

First of all, didn’t our ancestor’s leave Rowling’s country because of this kind of thing? And second of all, doesn’t this mean that the Bush administration is acknowledging witchcraft as being real?

Besides, the number of kids who grew up reading HP and decided to become Wiccans is probably very very low.

Next thing we know, they’ll be kicking Emma Watson out of Brown. Wouldn’t want her promoting sorcery in the Ivy League!

Ashley Dean is a Blast staff writer