MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (AP) — An upcoming speech by actor and children’s book author Maulik Pancholy has been canceled by a Pennsylvania school district, with district leaders expressing concerns about his activism and "lifestyle."
Pancholy, who is gay, was set to speak about anti-bullying during an assembly at Mountain View Middle School in Cumberland County on May 22. However, the district's school board unanimously voted on Monday night to cancel his talk after some members voiced concerns and others mentioned the district's policy against hosting overtly political events, as reported by news outlets. This policy was put in place after the district received criticism for hosting a rally by Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign.
Pancholy, 48, is a celebrated actor known for his roles on the TV shows “30 Rock” and “Weeds,” as well as for voicing Baljeet on the Disney animated series “Phineas & Ferb.” He is also an author of children’s books and, in 2014, was appointed by then-President Barack Obama to serve on the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, where he co-founded a campaign to address AAPI bullying.
Pancholy's appearance was organized by the school's leadership team, which arranges an author presentation each year as a “unique educational experience for students,” according to the district.
During the discussion at Monday night’s meeting, school board members expressed uncertainty about the content of Pancholy’s talk. One member mentioned not “wanting to run the risk” of its potential impact.
“If you research this individual, he labels himself as an activist,” Bud Shaffner said, according to Pennlive. “He is proud of his lifestyle, and I don’t think that should be imposed upon our students, at any age.”
The Associated Press sent an email to Pancholy’s publicists on Thursday afternoon.
The board’s decision has been criticized by several parents, students, and community members who have labeled it as “homophobic.” Some have even started online petitions calling for Pancholy’s appearance to be reinstated.
