The Cumberland Valley School District board voted unanimously Monday to cancel a representative conference previously scheduled for May 22 at Mountain View School District. Mr. Pancholi had to speak out about the bullying.
Before the vote, a board member raised concerns about what he described as Mr. Pancholi’s activism and “lifestyle.” Some board members also cited the district’s policy of not hosting overtly political events, media reported.
School district Superintendent Mark Blanchard and nine other leaders sent a letter to the board, faculty and staff on Thursday saying Maulik Pancholi should have been allowed to attend.
They said they were not given a “real opportunity” to answer questions or provide advice about the event, which they said was aimed at promoting the importance of equal treatment for all.
They added that 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.”
In a statement posted on social media this week, Pancholi said his visits to schools were aimed at letting young people know that they are all important and equal. “This is the power of books. They develop empathy. I wonder why the school board is afraid of that,” Pancholi wrote.
The committee’s vote also drew criticism from many parents, students and community members, who called the decision “homophobic.”
Pancholi, 48, is an award-winning actor, most notable for his roles in the TV series “30 Rock” and “Weeds,” and as the voice of Baljeet in the Disney animated series “Phineas & Ferb.” He also wrote children’s books.
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