Scientology Grand Re-opening in Austin, Texas

Reopening Efforts

*Meeting spot a block away from the main stage*

On Saturday, February 24, 2024, public sidewalks on Guadalupe St were blocked off for the grand reopening of the Scientology Center in Austin, Texas. The scene was similar to the many street closures on L Ron Hubbard Way and Burbank Blvd. in Los Angeles for Scientology events, complete with guards, police officers, and protestors.

Worldwide Protests

Protests against Scientology have increased around the world, like United Against Scientology stationed in London, the Squirrel Squad in Los Angeles, and individuals auditing Scientology, like Pearl Snappy.

*Protestor stands in front of the blockade*

An interesting aspect of modern protesting has been the ability to capture live footage and stream it across social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, amplifying the demonstrations and allowing an audience to watch from anywhere. The live streams are interactive between the audience and the creator, producing a sense of camaraderie with the movement.

Pearlsnappy in Austin

The city of Austin met its notable crusader, Pearlsnappy, as she voiced her opposition to Scientology and its practices. The internet was graced with Pearlsnappy’s live streams, including her booming voice, which she attributes to her years as a theater kid. She led the protesting efforts in Austin when the organization began requesting road closures for the reopening.

*David Miscavige seen at the grand reopening*

Rumor had it that Scientology leader David Miscavige would attend, as is customary for all grand openings. Still, with the recent evasion of court summons, many questioned if he would appear, not having been seen since L Ron Hubbard’s birthday last year in Florida. Attendees and protestors witnessed the elusive leader take his stand behind the seemingly small-scale podium and attempt to deliver his speech. He often had to battle the Pearlsnappy’s theatre voice as she went toe to toe with the loudspeaker.

Squirrel Squad Makes it to Texas

The grand reopening also brought Los Angeles protestors, commonly known as The Squirrel Leah and Danny, who drove the 1,416 miles to show support and stand in solidarity with folks in Austin. Danny was one of three protesters arrested two weeks ago on felony charges during a protest outside La Poubelle, a French restaurant where convicted rapist Danny Masterson drugged his victims. The Los Angeles District Attorney rejected all three cases on February 27th, 2024.

Austin PD and Los Angeles PD

The experience in Austin, Texas, showed a seemingly non-confrontational interaction with the local police department, further illuminating the staunch relationship between Scientology and LAPD.

One speculative reason for this is that Hollywood is home to Scientology’s unofficial western headquarters housing known as Church of Scientology Western United States, an entirely different charitable organization (but still part of the hierarchy of the Church of Scientology) sitting on L Ron Hubbard Way in Hollywood, CA, housing the “Church of Scientology of Los Angeles, the “American Saint Hill Organization, and the “Advanced Organization Los Angeles. Many people conclude that Scientology donates to the LAPD and its foundation. The IRS tax-exempt organization search tool currently does not hold any information about this organization other than the name and deductibility code listing it as a public charity.

Scientology and its Guadalupe Block Neighbors

The new center sits across the street from The University of Texas at Austin and shares the block of Guadalupe Street with neighbors like Medici Roasting, a two-story cafe with a library feel, University Baptist Church, and University Presbyterian Church. Baristas from Medici were knowledgeable about the organization’s association with human trafficking but were interested in keeping the peace and described the visits from Scientologists as friendly. The positive experience did not extend to other neighbors, however. During the road closure application to the city, The Church of Scientology Austin had to request permission from their neighbors and come to an agreement about closures directly affecting others. According to a source, Scientology leaders broke every agreement and did not attempt to rectify the situation. When asked if they’d work with Scientology for future events, the representative answered, “Absolutely not.”

The Call to Action for Local Elected Officials

*Outside the Church of Scientology in Austin, Texas*

Pearlsnappy touched on a familiar call to action - challenging the Church of Scientology’s tax-exempt status. Scientology may not hold a strong influence in cities outside of Los Angeles, and the road to remove its tax-exempt status starts in local government, she says. This election year may be ideally situated for such a challenge with the mass attention Scientology has garnered because of the Danny Masterson case and the protests being live-streamed across the world. People are eager to plug into the movement, which can translate well to voter pressure.