Backlash after gay actor’s middle school appearance cancelled over his ‘lifestyle’

30 Rock star and children’s book author Maulik Pancholy had been due to speak against bullying at Pennsylvania school

A Pennsylvania school board’s cancellation of an upcoming appearance by the actor and children’s book author Maulik Pancholy was ill-advised and sends a hurtful message, especially to the LGBTQ+ community, education officials said.

A member of Cumberland Valley school district’s board cited concerns about what he described as Pancholy’s activism and “lifestyle” before the board voted unanimously on Monday to cancel his appearance at a 22 May assembly at the Mountain View middle school. Pancholy, who is gay, was scheduled to speak against bullying.