[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 38 (Friday, March 15, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING DAVID J. JOHNS ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS DIRECTOR OF NEW 
 WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVE ON EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 15, 2013

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud Secretary Duncan's 
appointment of David Johns to head the new White House Initiative on 
Educational Excellence for African Americans. David's expertise will be 
critical in helping to address the academic challenges that many Black 
students face. America's educational system has undergone a remarkable 
transformation in the years since segregation, and we must continue to 
move forward to ensure equality of access and opportunity for education 
for all.
  Here in Congress, I have advocated for advancing the educational 
opportunities for minorities through increased funding to public 
schools, federal fellowships, and tuition reimbursement programs. 
However, substantial obstacles to equal educational opportunity still 
remain in America's educational system. Black students lack equal 
access to effective teachers and principals, safe schools, and 
challenging college-preparatory classes. It is no coincidence that over 
a third of them do not graduate from high school on time, and those 
that do are not nearly as prepared as their peers. I look forward to 
working with David to bridge this gap and to provide all Americans 
regardless of race or gender the skills they need to compete in the 
workforce.
  Education is the key to success in today's world, and everyone in 
America is entitled to equal opportunity to obtain a degree, get a good 
paying job, and live fulfilling lives. America needs to come together 
to solve the problems of today in order to create a brighter future 
tomorrow. I am confident that David Johns will help us get there 
sooner.''

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