A Pennsylvania school’s decision to ban a gay actor’s anti-bullying talk, citing his ‘lifestyle,’ has sparked widespread outrage and criticism. The scheduled guest speaker, actor Maulik Pancholy, was disinvited after school board members expressed concerns about his sexual orientation and activism, which they referred to as his “lifestyle.”
Parents and community members in a Pennsylvania school district came together to express their concerns
The decision angered not just his parents, but also students and community members who feared the school board was encouraging discrimination.
Parents and community members in a Pennsylvania school district came together to express their concerns and file a petition against the school board.
Pancholy, renowned for his role as Jonathan on “30 Rock,” was slated to speak at Mountain View Middle School in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, on May 22, but the Cumberland Valley School District canceled the event due to concerns about his activism and “lifestyle.”
Pancholy, the author of the book Nikhil Out Loud, was the board’s main worry. The novel tells the story of a gay Indian American youngster in school. “He labels himself as an activist, he is proud of his lifestyle, and I don’t think that should be imposed upon our students at any age,” a CVSD board member was heard saying in a video posted by a parent online.
Parents, kids, and LGBTQ+ advocates have expressed displeasure over the cancellation, believing it sends the incorrect message about inclusion and acceptance.
Many people accused the board of being ‘homophobic‘. According to CNN, Trisha Comstock, a parent in the school district, began a petition that was eventually joined by over 6,000 people, urging that the board reverse their decision.
Who is Maulik Pancholy?
Maulik Navin Pancholy is an American actor and author who has appeared in numerous television shows and films. He rose to prominence as Jonathan in 30 Rock and voiced Baljeet Tjinder in Phineas and Ferb.
Pancholy also played Neal in Whitney’s first season, as well as Sanjay Patel in Weeds and Sanjay and Craig. Maulik Pancholy was born in Dayton, Ohio, and comes from a Gujarati Indian family with origins in Gujarat, India.
Mark Blanchard, the district superintendent, along with other department directors, signed a statement on Thursday expressing their support for actor Maulik Pancholy’s anti-bullying talk.
As per the administrators cited in the Guardian’s report, “the school board’s decision had significant ramifications for our school community, especially for our students and staff who are members of the LGBTQ+ community.” The statement added, “Mr Pancholy’s personhood was reduced to a single aspect, and his ability to communicate a message of anti-bullying and hate was discredited.”