Pennsylvania School Board Reverses Decision to Cancel Maulik Pancholy Speech Amidst Gay Rights Controversy

A school board in Pennsylvania has reversed its unanimous decision to cancel a speech by former “30 Rock” actor Maulik Pancholy due to concerns about his activism and sexuality. The move sparked widespread backlash from students, parents, and community members who felt the cancellation was motivated by prejudice against gay people. After two weeks of protests, the Cumberland Valley School District’s school board held a special meeting where it voted 5-4 to reinstate Pancholy’s visit to a local middle school. The actor thanked those involved in the campaign and praised students who spoke out during Wednesday night’s five-hour meeting. Some members of the community, including eighth grade students, criticised comments made by Bud Schaffner, one of the board members accused of using intolerant language about Pancholy’s sexuality at a previous meeting. The reversal did not satisfy all critics, who called for resignations and promised to continue fighting against bullying behaviour from school officials. CVSD parent Trisha Comstock thanked those who apologised but stressed that the work towards building a more tolerant community would continue. Pancholy is an actor best known for his roles on “30 Rock” and in Disney’s cartoon “Phineas and Ferb”. He has also written two award-winning children’s books about bullying and LGBTQ inclusion.