Jewish, Atheist Students Attended Hogwarts: 'Harry Potter' Author JK Rowling Confirms Diversity At Wizards School

On the second day of Hanukkah, "Harry Potter" mastermind JK Rowling gave fans a magical gift: She confirmed that there were Jewish students at the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. And atheists. And people from almost every belief system -- except for Wiccans.

Rowling tweeted Wednesday morning on Twitter that not only did Jewish students at Hogwarts exist, but also that one such example was included in the series' original characters. Rowling created Jewish wizard and Ravenclaw member Anthony Goldstein as one the 40 named students in Harry's class his first year at the wizarding school.

This opened the door for hundreds of responses asking whether students from specific religious backgrounds were enrolled at Hogwarts. The answer to most questions was "yes."

The "Harry Potter" books have long been lauded for their diversity. In 2005, TIME Magazine wrote about Rowling's progressive values, saying "Her Hogwarts is secular and sexual and multicultural and multiracial and even sort of multimedia, with all those talking ghosts." Two years later, Rowling revealed the school's famous headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, was gay.

The books also included general lessons on racism, slavery and tolerance as they applied to Purebloods, house elves and werewolves. There may have even been a Jedi at Hogwarts, Rowling tweeted Wednesday, probably Dean Thomas. She made sure to remind readers Hogwarts was a safe place for LGBT students, as well.