Close Menu
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Relationships
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Celebrity Kids
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Disclaimer
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contribute & Advertise with Us
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest Vimeo
GistFestGistFest
  • Entertainment

    “Euphoria: The Final Semester” Trailer Just Dropped — And It Might Be Rue’s Goodbye

    August 7, 2025

    Cancel Culture Fatigue: Has the Internet Finally Hit the Unsubscribe Button?

    August 6, 2025

    The Aesthetic Economy: How Fashion, Filters & Vibes Are Now Bigger Than Talent

    August 5, 2025

    Hollywood’s ‘Summer of Scandals’: PR Nightmares, Leaks & the Rise of the Apology Tour

    August 4, 2025

    “Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

    July 31, 2025
  • Lifestyle

    “Euphoria: The Final Semester” Trailer Just Dropped — And It Might Be Rue’s Goodbye

    August 7, 2025

    Cancel Culture Fatigue: Has the Internet Finally Hit the Unsubscribe Button?

    August 6, 2025

    The Aesthetic Economy: How Fashion, Filters & Vibes Are Now Bigger Than Talent

    August 5, 2025

    Hollywood’s ‘Summer of Scandals’: PR Nightmares, Leaks & the Rise of the Apology Tour

    August 4, 2025

    “Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

    July 31, 2025
  • Relationships

    “Euphoria: The Final Semester” Trailer Just Dropped — And It Might Be Rue’s Goodbye

    August 7, 2025

    Cancel Culture Fatigue: Has the Internet Finally Hit the Unsubscribe Button?

    August 6, 2025

    The Aesthetic Economy: How Fashion, Filters & Vibes Are Now Bigger Than Talent

    August 5, 2025

    Hollywood’s ‘Summer of Scandals’: PR Nightmares, Leaks & the Rise of the Apology Tour

    August 4, 2025

    “Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

    July 31, 2025
  • Tips & Tricks

    “Euphoria: The Final Semester” Trailer Just Dropped — And It Might Be Rue’s Goodbye

    August 7, 2025

    Cancel Culture Fatigue: Has the Internet Finally Hit the Unsubscribe Button?

    August 6, 2025

    The Aesthetic Economy: How Fashion, Filters & Vibes Are Now Bigger Than Talent

    August 5, 2025

    Hollywood’s ‘Summer of Scandals’: PR Nightmares, Leaks & the Rise of the Apology Tour

    August 4, 2025

    “Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

    July 31, 2025
  • Celebrity Kids

    Brody Jenner Ties the Knot With Tia Blanco in Dreamy Malibu Ceremony — See the Intimate Moments

    July 17, 2025

    Madison LeCroy Welcomes Baby No. 2 — the Heartwarming Story Behind the Name

    July 9, 2025

    Ariana Zolciak Supports Kim Zolciak and Siblings Amid Ongoing Money Issues

    July 7, 2025

    Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge Revisit Lavish Wedding Venue Amid Backlash Over Cheating Rumors

    June 24, 2025

    Exes Megan Fox and MGK Unveil Their Baby Girl’s Name Following ‘Celestial Seed’ Mix-Up

    June 20, 2025
Subscribe
GistFestGistFest
Home » Pennsylvania School Board Uninvites Gay Actor for Anti-Bullying Talk Over His “Lifestyle”
General

Pennsylvania School Board Uninvites Gay Actor for Anti-Bullying Talk Over His “Lifestyle”

DamiBy DamiApril 27, 20243 Mins Read
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Reddit Telegram Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
a picture of Maulik Pancholy.
Source: Pinterest

Maulik Pancholy was to give an anti-bullying speech at Mountain View Middle School in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The Cumberland Valley School District canceled his speaking engagement due to concerns about his political activities and, as described by two school board members, his “lifestyle.”

During the meeting, Bud Shaffner, a board member, voiced his concerns about Pancholy’s activism and lifestyle. Another board member, Kelly Potteiger expressed concern that Pancholy might discuss his children’s book, “The Best at It,” which tells the story of a gay Indian American youngster.

Potteiger explained that she wanted to discuss Pancholy’s lifestyle, not discriminate against it. Pancholy is known for his roles as the voice of Baljeet in “Phineas and Ferb” and as Alec Baldwin’s ardent assistant on “30 Rock.”

On Pancholy’s website, the award-winning author gives keynote speeches on “diversity and inclusion.” Pancholy is a self-proclaimed activist who served on President Obama’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. But the school board worried he might go off course or go on a political tangent.

ALSO READ: “9-1-1” Actor Oliver Stark Condemns Homophobic Backlash to Character’s Gay Kiss  

Opinions on the decision have varied. In an Instagram message, Pancholy thanked the community for their support and togetherness. “I visit schools and actively make the youth aware that they are being seen through my activism,” he said.

A former Mountain View Middle School student, Tony Conte, posted an open letter on Facebook to Shaffner. Conte reminisced on his experience as a closeted gay kid, saying he “considered suicide from time to time.”

POLL — Should Laws Be Enacted To Protect LGBTQ+ Individuals From Workplace Discrimination?

“Like a lot of ‘different’ kids, I was teased for reasons I didn’t understand, and I had quite a lot of difficulty building friendships and growing into the healthy mindset that it was okay to be a little different.”

Conte stated that in high school, he became acquainted with another “very different kid.” “Before we could become close and confide our challenges in each other, he hung himself,” Conte wrote.

ALSO READ: LGBTQ+ Members Advocate for “Stripper’s Bill of Rights” to End Police Raid on Gay Bars

“I think that if I had heard from diverse voices like (Pancholy’s) in an auditorium setting telling me that it was okay to be different, maybe my middle and high school experience could have been different,” he went on. “A presentation of this sort could have saved a life, like the life of my friend.”

The postponement of Pancholy’s speech highlights the current controversy surrounding activism, inclusion, and acceptable discussion topics in classrooms. Establishing safe spaces for conversation while honoring different points of view is crucial. 

You Might Also Like:

Jimmy Kimmel Fires Back at Donald Trump’s Rant With Prison Reminder

Oklahoma Officials Ban Trans Pro Wrestler From Competing in the State

“Woke” Hollywood Gets Another Disappointing Box Office Return

North Carolina High School Suspends Student for Using the Term “Illegal Alien”

Ohio GOP Officials Refuse Democrats’ Plan to Put President Joe Biden on November Ballot

Celebrities News
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleTaylor Swift’s “Racist” Lyrics on “Tortured Poets” Album Draws Backlash
Next Article Nike Set to Layoff 1,600 Employees Amid “Woke” Drama

Related Posts

Entertainment

“Euphoria: The Final Semester” Trailer Just Dropped — And It Might Be Rue’s Goodbye

August 7, 2025
Entertainment

Hollywood’s ‘Summer of Scandals’: PR Nightmares, Leaks & the Rise of the Apology Tour

August 4, 2025
Entertainment

“Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

July 31, 2025
Latest Posts

“Euphoria: The Final Semester” Trailer Just Dropped — And It Might Be Rue’s Goodbye

August 7, 2025

Cancel Culture Fatigue: Has the Internet Finally Hit the Unsubscribe Button?

August 6, 2025

The Aesthetic Economy: How Fashion, Filters & Vibes Are Now Bigger Than Talent

August 5, 2025

Hollywood’s ‘Summer of Scandals’: PR Nightmares, Leaks & the Rise of the Apology Tour

August 4, 2025

“Wakanda Meets Wall Street”: Black Panther Spinoff Series Set in a Futuristic Financial World

July 31, 2025

From Albums to Algorithms: Why Every Artist Is Fighting for a TikTok Moment in 2025

July 30, 2025

Nostalgia Never Dies: “Twilight” TV Series in the Works — But Do We Need It?

July 29, 2025

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Era: How She’s Redefining Country Music One Boot at a Time

July 28, 2025
About
About

We’re a news, entertainment and lifestyle hub that is dedicated to giving you quality insight on the latest lifestyle news, movie and TV news, celebrity news and lots more.

Contact us: info@gistfest.com

MOST POPULAR

Alina Nikitina: Everything We Know About the Russian Model

October 4, 2023

Jacob’s Ladder Piercing: All You Need To Know

July 21, 2023

Jennifer Rauchet: Inside the Life of Pete Hegseth’s Wife

August 30, 2023

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox!

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Disclaimer
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contribute & Advertise with Us
© 2025 GistFest. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.