They took the action soon after Jackson was arrested on suspicion of child molestation, and the principal at the time said parents requested that the name be removed.
Now some people want Jackson's name restored to the building. The supporters have created a Facebook page to rally their cause.
The backers argue that because Jackson was acquitted of criminal charges, the Los Angeles Unified School District must put the pop star's name back on the auditorium.
"This cannot be allowed to continue," they said in a statement. "Please help us convince the school district to take down the covers and reveal his name once more to the public." In 1989, the Gardner faculty named the auditorium after the singer. He attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 11, 1989, where the school's choir sang, "We Are the World," a tune Jackson co-wrote. Jackson donated money to the school at the time.
An illustration of Jackson's face was posted in the auditorium in 1989, and another depicting the singer surrounded by children was mounted in the main office. But the auditorium drawing was removed several years ago because it kept falling down. The picture in the office also was removed a while ago to make room for a new intercom system.
LAist reports that the group is asking supporters to download and sign a letter to L.A. Unified Supt. Ramon C. Cortines.
-- Shelby Grad
Photo: Jackson at the auditorium. Credit: Associated Press
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