83R24756 BPG-D
By: Rodriguez of Bexar H.R. No. 1969
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The city of San Antonio lost an admired champion of
public education with the passing of Demetrio Pena Rodriguez on
April 22, 2013, at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, A longtime resident of the city's west side,
Mr. Rodriguez worked tirelessly to improve the Edgewood
Independent School District and to promote greater access to
high-quality education for students of all income levels and ethnic
backgrounds throughout Texas; he was a founding member of the
Edgewood District Concerned Parents Association, which protested
inadequate facilities, staffing, and resources; in 1968, he joined
with seven other parents to file a class action lawsuit in federal
district court, and he became the namesake for Rodriguez v. San
Antonio ISD, a landmark case in the history of education financing
reform; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Rodriguez remained engaged in school reform
issues long after his five children had graduated, and his
endeavors helped pave the way for positive change in Texas and
beyond; dedicated to social justice, he also worked in behalf of
such organizations as the American G.I. Forum, the League of United
Latin American Citizens, and the Mexican-American Betterment
Organization; he was a veteran of the military and was employed at
Kelly Air Force Base as a sheet metal worker; and
WHEREAS, A humble and unassuming man, Demetrio Rodriguez
earned the high regard of his fellow citizens through his vision,
courage, and determination, and his selfless commitment to public
education will forever remain a source of inspiration to all who
were fortunate enough to know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Demetrio Pena
Rodriguez and extend sincere condolences to the members of his
family: to his wife of more than 50 years, Belen Rodriguez; to his
children, David, Alex, Carlos, and Patricia; to his 12
grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; to his sister, Esperanza
Velasquez; to his brother, Concepcion Rodriguez; and to his many
other relatives and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Demetrio
Rodriguez.