Bill Maher, host of HBO’s “Real Time,” has launched a scathing attack on Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, labeling them “Team Hamas” for their perceived tolerance of anti-Israel rhetoric on campus.
During an interview with pro-free speech group FIRE CEO Greg Lukianoff, Maher criticized the universities’ presidents for failing to explicitly condemn calls for genocide against Jews during their recent testimony on Capitol Hill.
Maher pointed to a recent ranking by FIRE that placed Harvard and Penn at the bottom of nearly 250 universities in terms of free speech protections. He questioned whether this was simply a coincidence or “what the connection is” to their alleged pro-Palestinian leanings.
Maher then went on to analyze various pro-Palestinian slogans used on college campuses, starting with “intifada.” While acknowledging the vagueness of the term and its potential association with violence, he expressed greater concern about the slogan “From the river to the sea,” which he described as “a little more genocide-y.”
His critique continued with the phrase “by any means necessary,” which he found particularly disturbing. Lukianoff confirmed that “intifada” is protected speech but emphasized that it could also fall under threats or harassment.
Maher further argued that the universities are raising “a bunch of f–ing idiots” by allowing such rhetoric to flourish. He questioned their true intentions and suggested they might simply be following trends and buzzwords without fully understanding the implications.
He expressed particular frustration with “liberal friends” who previously dismissed his concerns about campus culture. He asserted that the recent controversy has finally exposed the problems he has been highlighting for years.
Despite self-identifying as “Team Israel,” Maher also defended the right to express anti-Israel views, arguing that it’s important to understand the extent of the problem. He argued that free speech allows for diverse perspectives, even those deemed offensive or harmful.
While acknowledging the pain such rhetoric can cause, Maher believes that suppressing it would be counterproductive. He stated that open dialogue and exposure are ultimately more effective in combating harmful ideologies.
Maher’s remarks have ignited a debate about the responsibility of universities in addressing anti-Semitism and other forms of hateful speech. While some support his defense of free speech, others argue that universities have a moral obligation to create inclusive and safe spaces for all students.
As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen whether Harvard and Penn will respond to Maher’s accusations and implement any changes to their policies regarding free speech and campus discourse.