The Leadership Conference’s Center for Civil Rights and Technology Responds to SCOTUS Upholding the Universal Service Fund

Today’s 6-3 ruling is a win for closing the digital divide for 24 million people in the United States who lack affordable, quality broadband access

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: [email protected] 

WASHINGTON — Alejandra Montoya-Boyer, senior director of The Leadership Conference’s Center for Civil Rights and Technology, released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in FCC v. Consumer’s Research:

“Today, a majority of the Supreme Court justices recognized the constitutionality of a program that promotes access to affordable, quality broadband internet, an essential in modern-day life. Equitable internet access helps all of us have greater opportunity to attain good-paying jobs, quality health care, educational and economic opportunities, and so many more goods and services. The Universal Service Fund (USF) is central to closing the gap in the United States between people who are connected to broadband and the 24 million people who aren’t — especially veterans, people who live in rural areas and on tribal lands, communities of color, seniors, students, and people with low incomes.

“Even with this promising ruling, the future of the USF and the fight for digital equity wasn’t sealed today. Congress must ensure that funding for USF and its programs are predictable, sustainable, and long-term. The USF could also serve as a permanent home and funding source to revive the Affordable Connectivity Program. We’re committed to working with congressional champions to ensure everyone has equal access to the internet and the essentials it keeps us connected to.”

The Center for Civil Rights and Technology (Center) is a joint project of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and The Leadership Conference Education Fund. The Center, launched in September 2023, serves as a one-of-its-kind hub for advocacy, education, and research at the intersection of civil rights and technology.

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 240 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 member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.

###