Berkeley statement on commencement speaker Bill Maher

[Dr. Strange]

Campus statement on commencement speaker

UC Berkeley issued the following statement today (Wednesday, Oct. 29):

For many years it has been the responsibility of UC Berkeley undergraduates, through a committee known as the “Californians,” to select speakers for the university’s commencement ceremonies. In August the “Californians” chose Bill Maher as the speaker for the December commencement ceremony. However, last night the “Californians” reconvened without administration participation and came to a decision that the invitation should be rescinded.

The UC Berkeley administration cannot and will not accept this decision, which appears to have been based solely on Mr. Maher’s opinions and beliefs, which he conveyed through constitutionally protected speech. For that reason Chancellor Dirks has decided that the invitation will stand, and he looks forward to welcoming Mr. Maher to the Berkeley campus. It should be noted that this decision does not constitute an endorsement of any of Mr. Maher’s prior statements: indeed, the administration’s position on Mr. Maher’s opinions and perspectives is irrelevant in this context, since we fully respect and support his right to express them. More broadly, this university has not in the past and will not in the future shy away from hosting speakers who some deem provocative.

Finally, the unfortunate events surrounding the selection of this year’s winter commencement speaker demonstrate the need to develop a new policy for managing commencement ceremonies. The new process will ensure that these events are handled in a manner commensurate with our values and enduring commitment to free speech. We will be announcing the new policy as soon as it is ready.

http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2014/10/29/campus-statement-on-commencement-speaker/

I didn't realize the invitation originally came from the students. Given this, I think Chancellor Dirks is spot on in the decision.

[arcane1]

1. It will be interesting to see if this is covered on his show tonight.

I think he should rebroadcast the original rant from September 26th that started all of this. I can't imagine anyone on DU disagreeing with it.

[joeybee12]

2. What did he rant about, his islamophobia, his homophobia, or his sexism? nt

[arcane1]

3. He ranted about dumb-ass hypocritical liberals.

They're all over DU too

[arcane1]

4. As requested:

[joeybee12]

5. Thanks...but I'm blocked at work...will try later...

[hifiguy]

6. That little rant is Maher at his best.

I cannot disagree with one word of what he says in that clip. Not one.

[arcane1]

7. Agreed. He was in pure form that night.

[Algernon Moncrieff]

8. Ironic that the home of the "Free Speech Movement" wants to dis-invite Maher

I applaud Nick Dirk's decision to keep the invitation in-place.

More broadly, this university has not in the past and will not in the future shy away from hosting speakers who some deem provocative.

As it should be!

Go Bears!