Gay actor’s speech reinstated at Pennsylvania school after being cancelled due to his sexual orientation

The Cumberland Valley School District in Pennsylvania has reversed its decision to cancel a speech by gay actor and children’s book author Maulik Pancholy after residents and students spoke out against the cancellation.

The board initially voted to cancel Pancholy’s speech, citing concerns about his activism and “lifestyle.” However, after hearing from community members, including more than a dozen students, the board voted 5-4 to allow Pancholy to speak against bullying during an assembly at Mountain View Middle School on May 22.

Superintendent Mark Blanchard and other district leaders sent a letter to the board, faculty, and staff, stating that Pancholy’s speech should have been allowed and that the district was not given a real opportunity to provide guidance about the event. The speech was intended to reinforce the importance of treating all people equally.

Pancholy, known for his roles on television shows like “30 Rock” and “Weeds,” as well as his work as the voice of Baljeet in the Disney animated series “Phineas & Ferb,” was appointed by former President Barack Obama to serve on the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. He has also been recognized for his efforts to combat bullying in the AAPI community.

The decision to cancel Pancholy’s speech sparked outrage among community members, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, who felt that the cancellation sent a hurtful message. Pancholy expressed his gratitude to the community members who supported him and commended the students who spoke out at the board meeting for their courage.

In a statement, Pancholy emphasized the importance of representation in storytelling, noting that as a middle school student, he never saw himself represented in stories. He explained that his school visits are meant to let all young people know that they are seen and that they matter.

The school’s leadership team, which selects an author each year to present a unique educational experience for students, had scheduled Pancholy’s appearance. Despite some board members expressing concerns about what Pancholy might talk about, the decision to allow him to speak was ultimately supported by the majority of the board.

Pancholy’s message of love, inclusion, respect, and belonging resonated with the community members who rallied behind him, leading to the reversal of the initial decision to cancel his speech. The actor expressed his gratitude for the support he received and reiterated the importance of representation in storytelling.

As Pancholy prepares to deliver his speech against bullying at Mountain View Middle School next month, he looks forward to sharing his message of acceptance and understanding with the students. The community’s response to the cancellation and subsequent reinstatement of his speech serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of speaking out against discrimination and standing up for inclusivity.