Civil and Human Rights Coalition Calls FCC Vote on E-Rate “A Great Step Forward in Civil Rights”

Washington – Nancy Zirkin, executive vice president and director of policy at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement in response to Federal Communications Commission’s vote to increase funding for the federal E-Rate program, which provides essential aid for schools and libraries seeking to connect to high-speed internet service:

 “We welcome today’s FCC vote, which represents one of the greatest steps forward in civil rights for Americans this year. 

Digital literacy and access to quality information services are an absolute necessity for all Americans to participate fully in our democracy and our economy.  This is doubly true for low-income students, those in rural districts or communities of color, and students with disabilities who, because of a massive digital divide, don’t have equal access to educational, employment, and civic engagement opportunities.

With only a modest additional investment, less than a penny a day, the FCC’s move will help bridge this divide and contribute to what should be our collective goal as a nation:  universal internet access for all Americans.  Only by meeting that goal can we truly fulfill the promise of equal opportunity and participation in public life for all.

We applaud Chairman Wheeler and Commissioners Rosenworcel and Clyburn for the leadership that helped to make this investment a reality. They must keep up this good and important work.”     

Nancy Zirkin is the executive vice president of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.