Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photos: Hundreds Of Teachers Protest At Opening Of The Broad Museum
It seems not everyone was excited about the opening of The Broad museum this past weekend.
Hundreds of teachers from the L.A. Unified School District gathered in front of downtown's newest contemporary art museum on Sunday, but they weren't there to see the Warhols or Koons. The educators—members of the United Teachers Los Angeles union—were protesting Eli Broad, the billionaire philanthropist behind the museum, and his involvement in a plan to increase the number of charter schools around L.A., reports theL.A. Times.
Broad and his wife, Edythe, have been major supporters of charter schools where teachers are often not unionized—reportedly investing $144 million so far in the independently run, publicly-funded schools. And they may potentially be planning to invest as much as $490 million more, according to a document obtained by the L.A. Times. But the protesters argue that current ambitious plans to expand charter schools around the district—one that could aim to enroll half of all Los Angeles students—would drain resources and harm public education.
"Charter schools are destroying public education," retired kindergarten teacher Cheryl Ortega, tells the L.A. Times. "Mr. Broad wants to own 50% of our schools. That's untenable." Ortega and other members of the teachers' union have long battled the Broads and anyone else who has come out in support of charters.
Support for LAist comes from
Supporters of charter schools argue that they offer an alternative to poor-performing district-run schools. In response, a statement issued on behalf of the Broads explains their involvement with the schools:
As families demand high-quality public school options—and more students want to attend public charter schools, we want to support them in meeting that demand. Our only interest is in supporting the growth of high-quality public schools.
Apparently, though, the red-shirted protesters didn't seem to phase some of the art enthusiasts heading in to see the Broads' massive collection on Sunday.
"It adds a little context," Alyse Carter, an art student, explained to the Times. "I'm going to remember when I came to the opening of Broads' museum and there was this issue that people felt strongly enough about that they came out to be heard."
Few hundred teachers protest Eli #Broad support for charter schools on opening day of his new mod art museum. pic.twitter.com/RFwJMOQW64
— Joel Rubin (@joelrubin) September 20, 2015
LAUSD teachers @Broad museum to protest Eli Broad's plan to destroy public education.#backoffbillionaires pic.twitter.com/0V4hqh34hR
— Karina Romay (@6sofar) September 20, 2015
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist