LAUSD Board Names School After Civil Rights Leader
Los Angeles-Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education members today adopted a resolution to rename Central Los Angeles High School #11 as the “Edward R. Roybal Learning Center.” The late Congressman Edward R. Roybal is recognized as one of the most prominent Latino civil rights leaders of the twentieth century and dedicated his life to creating academic and economic opportunities to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged populations.
The resolution was presented by Board President Mónica García and co-sponsored by Board Members Marlene Canter and Dr. Richard Vladovic.
“Congressman Roybal was a champion for progressive educational issues that directly impacted Latino children, “said García. “It’s important that students be exposed to pioneering and culturally relevant role models, and Congressman Roybal is certainly a figure whose work and legacy we want to honor and remember.”
“Congressman Roybal dedicated his life to serving the community of Los Angeles as a public health educator, community activist, and elected official. Dedicating this school in his memory will remind students and families for generations to come of the contributions of this great man,” said Canter.
“Congressman Roybal dedicated his life to combating discrimination and creating academic and economic opportunities to improve the quality of life for less fortunate populations,” said Ed Avila, Board President of the Alliance for a Better Community, a community organization that works on education. “The history of this school’s development has been wrought in struggle — the same type of struggle that Roybal led throughout his years of public service. Both the man and the school are emblems of the greatness of this community.”
The formerly named Central Los Angeles High School #11 serves the Belmont Zone of Choice community, where more than 90% are Latino, and 89% of families are enrolled in the free and reduced federal lunch program.
With the passing of this resolution, the Board of Education re-iterates it’s committment to exposing the students of the Belmont Zone of Choice to significant role models that will improve their self esteem, instill a greater sense of cultural pride and awareness, and motivate them to become socially responsible lifelong learners.
