Welcome to our world Billy.
Some students at the University of California, Berkeley are calling on the school to rescind comedian Bill Maher’s invitation to speak at a December commencement ceremony. A Change.org petition titled “Stop Bill Maher from speaking at UC Berkeley’s December graduation” has more than 3,000 signatures.
“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,” wrote petition founder Khwaha Ahmed, member of the Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian Coalition. “Bill Maher’s public statements on various religions and cultures are offensive and his dangerous rhetoric has found its way into our campus communities.”
While Maher – an outspoken atheist – routinely condemns all forms of organized religion, the petition focused primarily on his recent condemnation of Islam, drawing upon numerous examples of what they called “hate speech” such as “The Muslim world has too much in common with Isis,” “Islam is the only religion that acts like the mafia that will f**king kill you if you say the wrong thing,” and “Dealing with Hamas is like dealing with a crazy woman who’s trying to kill you. You can only hold her wrists so long before you have to slap her.”
A rep for the university told FOX411 that a student organization, the Californians, selects the December commencement speaker and other guests. Their decision to have the “Real Time” host was made in August.
Read more: Fox News
