The Cumberland Valley School Board held a meeting to revisit their decision to cancel an assembly with anti-bullying activist Maulik Pancholy. The meeting started at 5 p.m. and was still going strong with public comment two hours later. Many members of the community attended the meeting to criticize the board’s decision and push for the event’s reinstatement.
The board has not yet voted on the issue, but they appeared primed to reinstate the assembly with multiple board members starting the meeting by giving statements expressing regret and apologizing for their previous vote to cancel the event. Board member Jevon Ford said, “It is my opinion that, last week, this board made several mistakes, not the least of which rushing to a vote before we did our research.” Another board member, Greg Rausch, also shot down rumors that the board would hold a closed-door session to fire administrators who had criticized the cancellation.
The board’s original vote to cancel Pancholy’s appearance was met with widespread criticism. Many accused the board of homophobia, since Pancholy is openly gay. Board members had expressed hesitation about Pancholy’s sexuality, with one member, Bud Shaffner, referencing the actor’s “lifestyle”. Shaffner later apologized for his insensitive remarks.
The district’s superintendent, Mark Blanchard, also criticized the board’s decision, saying that it sends the wrong message to LGBTQ students and employees. Many who attended Wednesday’s meeting voiced similar concerns, saying that certain board members seemed to consider the very presence of LGBTQ people an unwelcome political statement.
The board’s reversal of course on this issue is a positive step. It is important for schools to create an inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Pancholy’s message of acceptance and anti-bullying is one that all students need to hear.
