[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 157 (Wednesday, September 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E893-E894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING DR. CONSTANCE E. CLAYTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DWIGHT EVANS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2023

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. 
Constance E. Clayton, a remarkable woman who made an indelible impact 
on the Philadelphia school system and the lives of countless students 
as the first African American and first woman to lead the School 
District of Philadelphia (1982 through 1993).
  During her tenure as superintendent, Dr. Clayton achieved remarkable 
feats. In an era where few Black women held positions of power, Dr. 
Clayton fearlessly took on the challenges of a school district plagued 
by patronage, labor strife, and division. Dr. Clayton brought a sense 
of stability to a system that had often been engulfed in turmoil. Prior 
to

[[Page E894]]

her tenure, the relationship between the district and the teachers' 
union was toxic, with strikes occurring almost yearly. However, under 
Clayton's leadership, strikes became a thing of the past, as she worked 
tirelessly to foster a more productive relationship between the two 
parties.
  Dr. Clayton is credited with stabilizing the district's budget and 
spearheading a standardized curriculum that aimed to benefit the many 
students who frequently moved from one school to another within the 
city.
  Dr. Clayton was a true trailblazer, a dedicated education advocate, a 
humanitarian, and a mentor to many. Her career and achievements served 
as an inspiration, especially to women and African-American women who 
aspired to break barriers and make their mark in the world.
  Dr. Clayton's impact extended far beyond the School District of 
Philadelphia. As an advocate for people of color and women in 
leadership, she paved the way for future generations, inspiring young 
girls everywhere.
  Her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of students through 
education is a testament to her remarkable leadership style described 
as regal and no-nonsense. Dr. Clayton demanded excellence and did not 
tolerate mediocrity. There was never any doubt that her primary concern 
was for the well-being and future of Philadelphia's children. She was 
the embodiment of the School District of Philadelphia.
  Dr. Clayton was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, 
including 19 honorary doctorate degrees. In 1992, the Constance E. 
Clayton Professorship in Urban Education was established at the 
University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education, making her 
the first African-American woman to have a chair named for her at an 
ivy League institution.
  Not only was Dr. Clayton a visionary in education, but she was also a 
patron of the arts, with affiliations to art museums throughout 
Philadelphia. Her passion for both education and the arts exemplified 
her dedication to creating a well-rounded educational experience for 
students.
  Dr. Clayton passed away on September 18, 2023. We mourn the loss of a 
remarkable individual who made significant contributions to our 
community. Dr. Clayton's legacy will continue to inspire and guide us 
as we strive for equity, diversity, and excellence in education. Our 
thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all those who 
were fortunate enough to know her.

                          ____________________