CA - SNAP calls for independent investigation into LAUSD
The LA school district needs to thoroughly and independently investigate the hiring of a pedophile priest, Jose Piña.
Piña, who was credibly accused of abusing kids in the 1970’s, and was defrocked by the church in 2006. Shortly after that, he got a job working in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Because no criminal charges were ever filed, Piña was able to avoid being forced to register as a sex offender. His story, however, was well covered in the media.
If indeed the district was told about the child sex allegations against him, someone should be fired. The investigation should also look at who saw news accounts of Piña's suspension and didn't follow through and kept him on the payroll.
At the same time, however, Superintendent John Deasy should be praised for agreeing to check his/her employees list against lists of proven, admitted and credibly accused child molesters in the Catholic archdiocese and Scouting. By taking this step, Deasy is making sure that a situation like the one with Piña is far less likely to occur.
We urge every employer to take this simple, inexpensive step that protects everyone - kids, employers, co-workers, and neighbors. Many child predators are never made to register as sex offenders, and by cross-checking databases like the one at BishopAccountability.org, employers can ensure that those offenders who slipped through the cracks of the criminal justice system don’t slip further into positions that places them around children.
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director