US School Slammed For Canceling Indian-American Queer Actor's Performance

Every year, a middle school in Pennsylvania, Cumberland Valley School District, brings in an author to discuss their books with the students. But this year, queer actor and writer Maulik Pancholy's speech was cancelled after board members raised concerns about his 'lifestyle'. "He labels himself as an activist who is proud of his lifestyle, and I don't think that should be imposed on our students," said Bud Shaffner, a board member at a meeting. 

Maulik Pancholy is an openly gay actor and the author of several books. One of his books, 'The Best At It', details the story of a queer Indian boy who faces bullying. While Pancholy had made it clear that his speech would not be about the lgbtq community, the school board members were unconvinced. 

What was Maulik Pancholy response

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"I’m always surprised by how many young people raise their hands – regardless of their identities and backgrounds – wanting to share about the ways in which they, too, feel different. That’s the power of books. They build empathy," Pancholy, 50, captioned a post on Instagram Friday.

Kelly Potteiger, a newly elected board member, spoke to The New York Times, stating that this decision was not discriminatory against his lifestyle but was in regards to Pancholy speaking about it. 

The staff and administrators of the school were reportedly disappointed by the decision. The board members received criticism for being hypocritical and discriminatory towards Pancholy. Not allowing someone to speak on a public platform on account of their sexuality and explaining that away as a way of keeping 'children away from that lifestyle' is a flimsy excuse that hides homophobia in its folds. This discriminatory attitude of the school board was not lost on those who heard of the decision. 

In response to the decision, Pancholy replied that his intention with the speech was to "let young people know that they're seen" and wondered why a school board is so afraid of that. 

Maulik Pancholy has appeared in several movies and shows, such as '30 Rock' and 'Friends with Money'. He also notably voiced the character Baljeet Tjinder in 'Phineas and Ferb'.