SOS Children's Villages: Talks on Renaming Underway

After the shocking allegations of inappropriate conduct against the founder of SOS Children's Villages, Hermann Gmeiner, talks on renaming various centers, squares, streets, and paths — of the latter there are at least 14 — are in full swing. The removal of monuments is also being considered; in Imst (Tyrol), two have already been dismantled.

In Imst, where the first Children's Village was opened in 1951, people expressed shock at the allegations against Gmeiner. Two monuments of the SOS Children's Villages founder — a bronze statue in front of Imst's Johanneskirche and one in front of the care center — have already been removed. They are under lock and key at the municipal depot. Renaming of a street as well as a kindergarten and elementary school are to follow. "There will be a complete break with everything bearing his name," said mayor Stefan Weirather (ÖVP) on Friday.

"Simply Indefensible" Inappropriate treatment of children is "simply indefensible," Weirather justified the steps. The possible revocation of honorary citizenship of the city of Imst is also naturally on the table.

The State of Tyrol initiated a "revocation review" regarding the awards conferred on Gmeiner. The SOS Children's Villages founder was awarded the "Ring of the State of Tyrol" in 1980 — the highest award, requiring a resolution of the state parliament. As early as 1959, Gmeiner had received the State's Medal of Honor.

In Vienna, renaming of Hermann-Gmeiner-Park in the first district is also being discussed. Vienna's city councilor for culture Veronica Kaup-Hasler (SPÖ) spoke out in favor of renaming.

In Graz, there is openness to renaming Hermann-Gmeiner-Weg in the southwestern Straßgang district. With today's knowledge, one would not have named the path after Gmeiner, it was said upon inquiry from the office of mayor Elke Kahr (KPÖ).

The organization itself is also considering how to deal with Gmeiner's legacy. The Carinthian outpatient clinics in Moosburg and Villach run by SOS Children's Villages ("Hermann-Gmeiner-Centers") bear the founder's name. A change of designation is now also being considered there.

In Pinkafeld, the SOS Children's Villages could get a new address. It is currently still on Hermann-Gmeiner-Straße. In Klagenfurt, there is also a street named after Hermann Gmeiner. The city senate will discuss possible renaming next Tuesday. In the City of Salzburg, the city government will also thoroughly discuss the topic. In Seekirchen am Wallersee, there is also an SOS Children's Villages on a street named after the founder. In St. Pölten, which has a Hermann-Gmeiner-Gasse, planned supplementary signs were referenced. According to the street directory of Statistics Austria, there are at least 14 streets or paths throughout Austria bearing his name.