Clyburn Vists N.Y., Touts Charter Schools

The highest-ranking African American member of the House of Representatives declared he is a supporter of public school choice during a visit to New York City yesterday. Rep. James Clyburn, a Democrat of South Carolina who is the House majority whip, visited a charter school in Harlem yesterday afternoon and then spent the evening speaking to several local groups that support charter schools and other choice options.

"There are few things that are more vital than ensuring that all of our children have access to a meaningful and productive education," Mr. Clyburn said in a statement. At the Harlem Success Academy, an elementary charter school started by the former City Council member Eva Moskowitz, Mr. Clyburn spoke with parents about why he supports charter schools. The evening event he attended was hosted by a city-based national lobbying group, Democrats for Education Reform; an advocacy group called 100 Black Men, and the New York Council of Urban Professionals.