Bill Maher Slams Cornell and the ‘Depravity’ of Fraternities Amid Sexual Assault Lawsuit: ‘I’m Glad to See Them Eating a S— Sandwich’
Bill Maher has criticised his alma mater, Cornell University, and fraternities more broadly whilst discussing the Cornell 7 lawsuit, in which seven men allegedly raped and drugged a student at a fraternity house party in October 2024. Maher, who graduated from Cornell in 1978, called for the abolition of Greek life, arguing that fraternities amplify the worst aspects of human nature and create environments conducive to harmful behaviour. His remarks reflect broader concerns following the case, which has prompted criticism from numerous public figures.
The lawsuit, filed by an unnamed Cornell student, alleges that the university failed to protect her and prevent the assault. Following the university's investigation, only two of the seven men were expelled, whilst five received lesser disciplinary action. Maher argued that systemic problems within fraternities, such as excessive drinking, bullying, elitism and mistreatment of women, are the real issue, and he joined celebrities including Florence Pugh and Mariska Hargitay in publicly condemning the case.
- Bill Maher calls for abolishing fraternities following Cornell sexual assault lawsuit
- Seven men allegedly assaulted student; only two expelled by university
- Maher joins other celebrities condemning case and criticising Greek life
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A student at Cornell University has filed a lawsuit alleging that seven men sexually assaulted and drugged her at a fraternity house party in October 2024. The student is also suing the university itself, claiming it failed to protect her from the alleged assault.
Following Cornell's investigation, two of the seven men were expelled from the university. The other five received lesser disciplinary action, raising questions about the consistency and adequacy of the institution's response.
The case has focused attention on student safety within fraternities and on university campuses more widely. Issues around sexual assault allegations and institutional accountability in higher education remain subjects of significant public concern.
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The case for
Fraternities cultivate cultures that enable sexual assault through normalised excessive drinking, isolation from oversight, and social hierarchies that diminish women's status and agency. The Cornell case demonstrates systemic failure: only two of seven accused men were expelled, showing institutions prioritise reputation over victim protection. Abolishing Greek life addresses the structural environment that amplifies harm rather than hoping individual conscience will overcome a poisoned culture.
The case against
Fraternities provide genuine community, mentorship and networking that benefit thousands of students without incident; targeting an entire institution for crimes committed by specific individuals infringes on freedom of association and unfairly punishes innocent members. Disciplinary processes must prioritise due process rather than yield to public pressure, and sexual assault is fundamentally a criminal matter requiring criminal prosecution, not institutional abolition based on the actions of a few bad actors.