Russlynn Ali, assistant secretary for the Office for Civil Rights, will address the Education Pioneers' 2011 Los Angeles Fellows Showcase Thursday at the Ray Kurtzman Theatre in Los Angeles. Ali will discuss public education as a civil right and the role of education leadership in accelerating change.
Among the 200 expected for the event will be current fellows and alumni of the program, as well as leaders from charter school management organizations, school districts, foundations, government and other education related nonprofit groups.
Education Pioneers helps identify, train, connect and inspire a generation of leaders dedicated to transforming the educational system so that all students receive a quality education. The organization has been building a nationwide network of education change agents outside the classroom since 2003.
As assistant secretary, Ali's Office for Civil Rights enforces U.S. civil rights laws pertaining to education—ensuring that America's schools receiving federal funding refrain from discriminatory conduct related to race, sex, disability or age.