Story highlights The items were originally given to a historian who opposed the camps, CNN affiliate reports

Auctioneer hoped they would be bought by museum or someone who would donate them for historical appreciation

Japanese-Americans were furious about items from family members, others being sold

(CNN) A New Jersey auction house has removed items from its April 17 event after an uproar from the public.

The items are crafts and artifacts made by Japanese-Americans confined to World War II internment camps.

A grass-roots campaign of a change.org petition, a Facebook page, and mediation by "Star Trek" actor George Takei has resulted in Rago Arts and Auction Center agreeing to pull the items from the sale.

"There is an essential discussion to be had about the sale of historical items that are a legacy of man's inhumanity to man. It extends beyond what is legal. It is something auction houses, galleries and dealers are faced with regularly," the auction house said. "We hope this controversy will be the beginning of a discourse on this issue."

Takei, who with his family spent time in one of the camps, thanked people for working to stop the sale. According to a comment on the Facebook page "Japanese American History: NOT for Sale," he was working on the issue while on a trip to Australia.

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