Bill Maher Deemed A Bigot And A Racist By Berkeley Student Protesters

Bill Maher is a racist and bigot, according to Berkeley students that plan on protesting a graduation speech slated to be given by the HBO comedian. University of California-Berkeley students are collecting signatures on a petition to thwart plans to have Maher appear at the annual graduation ceremony next year.

Berkeley protester believe Bill Maher exhibits racist and bigoted views on Islam and therefore he is not an appropriate graduation speakers. Maher has reportedly described himself as a liberal with some Libertarian views. He was reportedly accused liberals of being too politically correct on the topic of radical Islam.

The Bill Maher petition started by the UC Berkeley students had about 1,925 signatures as of yesterday. The petition was posted to the Change.org website. The Maher petition was reportedly stated by two members of the Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian Coalition.

“Bill Maher is a blatant bigot and racist who has no respect for the values UC Berkeley students and administration stand for,” the petition states. “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.”

Examples of Bill Maher’s “hate speech” as determined by the petition organizers.

• “Islam is the only religion that acts like the mafia that will f***ing kill you if you say the wrong thing.”
  “Dealing w/ Hamas is like dealing w/ a crazy woman who’s trying to kill u – u can only hold her wrists so long before you have to slap her.”
• “Talk to women who’ve ever dated an Arab man. The results are not good.”
• “The Muslim world has too much in common with ISIS.”

The UC Berkeley Bill Maher petition goes on to claim that the university would be harming “marginalized” students if the comedian comes to campus to speak at the commencement ceremony.

“Too many students are marginalized by his remarks and if the University were to bring this individual as a commencement speaker they would not be supporting these historically marginalized communities. It is the responsibility of the University of California to protect all students and uphold a standard of civility. Sign this petition to boycott the decision to invite Bill Maher as a commencement speaker at the UC Berkeley Fall 2014 Commencement Ceremony.”

What do you think of Bill Maher and the Berkeley petition to overturn the decision to invite the HBO comedian to speak at graduation?

[Image via: The Hollywood Reporter]