Prominent Civil Rights Advocates and a CBS Journalist Honored at A Cause for Celebration Event
2018 A Cause for Celebration Honorees
Learning Rights Law Center is celebrating thirteen years of excellence in education advocacy through its annual A Cause for Celebration event . The event will take place on Saturday, September 15, 2018 , at The Mark for Events , in Los Angeles.

The dinner will honor the late Honorable Shirley Hufstedler – first United States Education Secretary - for her vital commitment to education; Rebecca Torrey of Elkins Kult Weintraub Reubel Gartside LLP, for her tireless pro bono public interest work; and Randy Paige, a CBS journalist, for his significant contributions toward social and civil rights justice through his investigative and award-winning journalism.
Shirley Hufstedler
2018 Breaking Education Barriers Award Recipient, the late Shirley Hufstedler, with President and First Lady Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Photo courtesy of Seth Hufstedler.
The Honorable Shirley Hufstedler served as the first United States Education Secretary under President Jimmy Carter from 1979 through 1981. As Secretary, she emphasized individual student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence, seeking to ensure equal access and enforce oversight over state policies to prevent discrimination. Secretary Hufstedler was a trailblazer and a champion for equality, defining the Department's role as a protector of civil rights.
Rebecca Torrey
2018 Champion of Education Award Recipient, Rebecca Torrey. Photo courtesy of Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside.
Rebecca Torrey serves as a partner at Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside LLP, specializing in employment law. Rebecca has served as Learning Rights’ pro bono employment counsel since its inception and has been instrumental in helping Learning Rights reach its strategic growth potential.
Randy Paige
2018 Justice Through Arts and Media Award Recipient, Randy Paige. Photo courtesy of CBS News.
Randy Paige is a duPont Award-winning reporter whose groundbreaking investigations have resulted in new laws that directly affect millions of Californians. He is a staunch advocate for social justice and traditionally marginalized members of the community through his trailblazing journalism. 
Television newscaster Gabriela Teisser, who is also an autism advocate and parent of a child with autism, will serve as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Proceeds will support Learning Rights programs and services for low-income children and their families.

A Cause for Celebration is the chief fundraising event to support Learning Rights programs and services. At last year’s event, more than 200 donors, supporters and friends gathered to celebrate Learning Rights’ work and enjoyed a festive evening of fabulous food and drink in a gorgeous location.

Learning Rights Law Center changes the lives of at-risk students who have disabilities, face discrimination, or are involved in the foster care or juvenile justice systems, by providing free legal services, education advocacy, and community training.

Please visit Learning Rights’ website to purchase tickets, make a donation, or sponsor the event. 
PARTNERS FOR CHANGE
Thank you to our 2018 A Cause for Celebration Sponsors! Their support is vital to the success of this event!
GET TO KNOW US!
Aracely Ortez White - Paralegal

" Education is a valuable asset which everyone deserves - regardless of ability or socioeconomic status. I enjoy being part of a team that helps children and families attain and empower their rights regardless of capacity. No child left behind, but for us, its more like no child pushed aside."
POP QUIZ!
COUNT ON US!
QUESTION:

When was the Department of Education founded?

ANSWER:

The Department of Education was founded in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter. Previously, Federal-level education issues had been handled by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
Stat sources: 
Learning Rights
CHALKBOARD NEWS
Learning Rights Law Center seeks to achieve education equity for low-income and disadvantaged students in the public education system in Southern California. We change the lives of at-risk students who have disabilities, face discrimination or are involved in the foster care or juvenile justice systems by providing free legal services, education advocacy, and community training.