Bill Maher, the host of "Real Time," has launched a scathing critique of prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania, accusing them of aligning with "Team Hamas" and nurturing students he disparagingly referred to as "useful idiots."
Despite his criticism, Maher defended the principle of free speech, even when it veers into anti-Israel rhetoric, emphasizing that it "works both ways."
The Presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania have been at the center of a fierce backlash this week. Their testimonies on Capitol Hill, in which they failed to categorically state that calls for genocide against Jews violate their universities' code of conduct, have sparked outrage.
Maher initiated his conversation with Greg Lukianoff, CEO of the pro-free speech group FIRE, by referring to the organization's ranking of colleges in terms of free speech. Both Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania were ranked at the bottom of nearly 250 universities. "So these are two of the colleges who are now on Team Hamas," Maher stated, questioning whether this was a coincidence or if there was a deeper connection.
Maher proceeded to discuss slogans heard at pro-Palestinian rallies on college campuses, initially defending the use of the term "intifada," which he described as "one of those vague terms like jihad," that "probably means violence." However, he expressed concern over the pro-Palestinian slogan "From the river to the sea," which he characterized as "a little more genocide-y."
Lukianoff responded by asserting that the term intifada is "absolutely protected" speech, but quickly emphasized that it could also be classified as threats or harassment. He expressed embarrassment at the inability of the university presidents to clearly articulate their stance on the issue.
Maher expressed his frustration with what he perceives as a double standard in the application of free speech. He cited instances where he had heard the chant "F--- the Jews, f--- the Jews," and argued that such language would not be tolerated if directed at any other group.
Maher later likened college students to "useful idiots," expressing his disappointment in the country's most esteemed colleges for producing what he considers to be ill-informed graduates. He questioned the sincerity of their support for marginalized groups, suggesting that they were merely following trends and buzzwords they encountered on social media platforms like TikTok.
Maher also criticized his "dear liberal friends" who exclusively consume media from outlets like MSNBC and The New York Times, accusing them of dismissing his concerns about the state of free speech on college campuses. He expressed satisfaction that the recent controversies have brought these issues into the spotlight.
Despite describing himself as being "Team Israel," Maher defended the right to express anti-Israel sentiments on college campuses. He argued that it was important to know who was expressing these views and the extent of the problem. He cited a segment on "60 Minutes" where a Jewish student suggested that supporters of Hamas should not be allowed to form organizations on campus. Maher disagreed, stating, "No! I'm sorry. This is America. This works both ways."
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