Three cheers for the administration of University of California, Berkeley for overturning the decision of its tone-deaf to history students who rescinded an invitation to comedian/talk show host Bill Maher to speak at December's commencement. What an irony!
The Californians student group extended the invitation to the "Real Time with Bill Maher" program host in August and yanked it this week. They cited Maher's alleged anti-Islamic views.
The Administration overruled the Californians, saying it was based on Maher's "opinions and beliefs, which he conveyed through constitutionally protected speech."
Cal officials made it clear that their decision is not an endorsement of Maher's opinions or political beliefs. It is an endorsement of Maher's right to express them. To them, Maher's views are irrelevant.
"More broadly, this university has not in the past and will not in the future shy away from hosting speakers who some deem provocative," said the administration.
Berkeley, of course, was the home of the free speech movement, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
In their cowardly decision to ax Maher, the overly sensitive students disrespected both UCB's glorious heritage and the First Amendment.
A university should stand for all types of expression and exchange of ideas. It shouldn't be a protective cocoon for coddled students. Challenge Maher, if you wish. Don't muzzle him.
Maher plans to discuss the Berkeley situation tonight during his HBO program. I hope he gives a thumbs-up to the school's officials. We'll see if the Berkeley kids can take some heat.
Kudos to Berkeley chancellor Nicolas Dirks and vice chancellor John Wilton for standing tall for free speech.
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