Gay actor’s speech back on at Pennsylvania school after cancellation over his ‘lifestyle’

By BRUCE SHIPKOWSKI
Associated Press

A Pennsylvania school district has reversed the cancellation of an appearance by actor and children’s book author Maulik Pancholy. The Cumberland Valley School District’s board voted 5-4 Wednesday to allow Pancholy, who is gay, to speak against bullying during a May 22 assembly at Mountain View Middle School. The event was canceled after a board member cited concerns about what he described as the actor’s activism and “lifestyle.” The board reversed the decision after hearing from district leaders, residents and students. Pancholy said in a statement Thursday that he looks forward to the event. He said it was moving to see students speak out and share messages of inclusion.