Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests officials are against Jackson's name uncovered above the entrance to Gardner Street Elementary's auditorium.
- October 19, 2010
AceShowbiz - A Michael Jackson tribute at a Los Angeles school the King of Pop briefly attended has upset one pedophilia awareness group. Officials at the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) are appalled by Los Angeles Unified School District bosses' decision to uncover Jackson's name above the entrance to Gardner Street Elementary's auditorium.
The dedication was boarded over in 2003 when Jackson was charged with child molestation and school officials decided it was time to re-honor their most famous pupil on Friday, October 15. But the rededication has upset many local groups.
A spokeswoman for SNAP tells the Los Angeles Times the move is a "slap in the face" to children who've been subjected to pedophilia. Joelle Casteix tells the publication, "It's grossly disappointing. Although he (Jackson) was never convicted there was a huge secret settlement with at least one alleged victim... With all the brave and courageous people LAUSD could honour, it's a shame they chose to honour him again."
Fans had petitioned the district to uncover Jackson's name on the Gardner Street school's auditorium.
