Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission responds to Cumberland Valley canceling actors event over lifestyle [Video]

(WHTM) – The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission on Tuesday released a statement addressing Cumberland Valley School District’s decision to cancel actor Maulik Pancholy’s planned assembly due to what one school board member called Pancholy’s “lifestyle.”

Pancholy, who is Asian-American and gay, speaks frequently against bullying and is the author of two fiction books — and is in the process of publishing a third — based loosely on his childhood experiences of being bullied. He played Jonathan on the NBC show “30 Rock,” which aired from 2006 through 2013.

The event’s cancelation has drawn national attention and backlash against the district. The school board is now considering reversing its decision to cancel the assembly with Pancholy, which would focus on bullying.

One board member, Bud Shaffner, made a motion during an April Cumberland Valley School District board director’s meeting to cancel the speech. “I know he’s a homosexual activist,” Shaffner said in part, adding “he is proud of his lifestyle, and I don’t think that should be …