LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, California Charter Schools Association President and CEO Myrna Castrejón issued the following statement regarding the passing of philanthropist Mr. Eli Broad:
"Today we lost a giant with the passing of our dear friend, Eli Broad.
"He understood that a good education was not only the right of every child but also the foundation for a strong society. He knew his work in expanding education opportunities was never going to be easy or quickly finished, and that there would always be powerful forces fighting against the needed changes to help low-income students and students of color reach their full potential. Yet he pushed ahead with what he believed was the right thing to do, and as a result, millions of children have a better life through a strong education here and across the nation.
"Eli embodied a vision of philanthropy, not as charity, but as a transformative force. His civic stewardship across a wide range of interests always asked deep and impatient questions about what we could achieve together as a city. He challenged and helped Los Angeles to lead in the arts, groundbreaking scientific research, education, reimagining and revitalizing downtown, and more recently climate change leadership.
“A proud labor union member, he loved the City of Angels and was instrumental in continuously putting it on the world stage while creating jobs and strengthening our civic infrastructure, daring us to dream big dreams, together.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors and the entire charter community, we extend our sincere condolences to his wife Edythe and his two sons Gary and Jeffrey."