Students at the University of California-Berkeley are petitioning to cancel a December graduation speech by talk show host Bill Maher over what they say are his “racist and bigoted” views on Islam.
On numerous occasions Maher has leveled harsh words against Islam.
Because of his views, a Chang.org Petition to dis-invite Maher from the Berkeley graduation has drawn more than 5,000 signers. The Petition reads:
“Bill Maher is a blatant bigot and racist who has no respect for the values UC Berkeley students and administration stand for. In a time where climate is a priority for all on campus, we cannot invite an individual who himself perpetuates a dangerous learning environment. Bill Maher’s public statements on various religions and cultures are offensive and his dangerous rhetoric has found its way into our campus communities.”
But on Friday night’s edition of “Real Time,” Maher took a few minutes to reply to the Berkeley students, noting that his graduation speech is coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the college’s storied free speech movement.
On the charge that his views on Islam “bigoted” and “racist,” Maher chided the students’ language misstep: “Right, because Islam is a race.”
