The decision, deemed ill-advised by education officials, has sparked outrage, especially within the LGBTQ+ community.

The cancellation took place during a board meeting for the Cumberland Valley school district, where concerns were raised about Pancholy's activism and "lifestyle". These concerns led to a unanimous vote to cancel his scheduled appearance at Mountain View Middle School on May 22, where he was set to speak against bullying. Pancholy, who is openly gay, had been chosen to inspire and educate students on equality.

In addition to concerns about Pancholy, some board members also cited the district's policy of not hosting overtly political events as a rationale for the decision. This policy had been enacted following criticism for hosting a rally by then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in 2016.

However, education officials, including the district superintendent and nine senior leaders, expressed their disagreement with the school board's decision in a letter sent to the board, faculty, and staff. They asserted that Pancholy's speech should have been allowed, arguing that it aimed to reinforce the importance of treating all individuals equally. The officials also raised concerns about the decision's impact on the school community, particularly on LGBTQ+ students and staff members.

The letter emphasized that reducing Pancholy's personhood to just his sexual identity discredits his ability to convey an important message on anti-bullying and hate. The officials felt that they were not given a sufficient opportunity to address questions or provide guidance regarding the event.

Maulik Pancholy, known for his roles in television shows like "30 Rock" and "Weeds," as well as his work as the voice of Baljeet in the Disney animated series "Phineas & Ferb," is also an award-winning actor and children's book author. In 2014, he was appointed by former President Barack Obama to serve on the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, where he co-founded a campaign against AAPI bullying.

The school's leadership team, responsible for selecting an author each year to present a "unique educational experience for students," had scheduled Pancholy's appearance. The board's decision has not only drawn criticism from education officials but also from parents, students, and community members who have labeled it as "homophobic." Several online petitions have been initiated, urging for the reinstatement of Pancholy's appearance.

Responding to the controversy on social media, Pancholy emphasized that his visits to schools are meant to make young people feel seen and valued. He highlighted the power of books in building empathy, questioning why the school board would be afraid of such messaging.

The school board's cancellation of Pancholy's appearance continues to face backlash and raises concerns about the impact on inclusivity and acceptance within the school's community, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals.