The Digital Divide Grows Wider Unless We Take Action

Nearly one-third of U.S. workers lack digital skills, even as many jobs require them. Without training, AI readiness, and access, workers cannot compete in today’s economy. The Digital Equity Act (DEA) was designed to close that gap for workers and more communities, but one year ago, President Trump dismantled it. The bipartisan legislation was part of the largest federal investment in closing the digital divide — $2.75 billion investment under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — and marked the first time the federal government dedicated funding specifically to digital inclusion at the state and local level. Its aim was to ensure that everyone across the U.S., regardless of where we live or our income, could access and meaningfully use technology: be it getting a formal education or healthcare, applying for jobs, paying bills or starting a business — all things millions of us cannot do without the right tools

Since the Trump administration’s decision to end DEA programs, more than 20 states have filed a federal lawsuit against several federal agencies, including the Department of Commerce, which administers the DEA. The lawsuit argues that the administration unlawfully terminated billions of dollars in congressionally approved funding by invoking an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulation — effectively using an executive agency rule to override an act of Congress.

This is a separation-of-powers issue. The Digital Equity Act was passed by Congress, which holds the constitutional authority over federal spending. The executive branch does not hold the power of the purse. Canceling these programs without congressional approval is unlawful.

This is also a civil rights issue. Cancelling the DEA is another attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Those paying the biggest price are the communities already most underserved. But funding digital inclusion also benefits all of us. The numbers make the stakes clear:

• Students risk falling behind and missing opportunities to learn and engage with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Students of color and low-income students are disproportionately harmed by the “homework gap,” especially considering that students with the internet at home have higher GPAs.
• Millions of Americans, particularly in rural communities, depend on broadband and digital skills to access telehealth services.
• People living with disabilities are 3x more likely to not go online. 
• Without digital literacy and cybersecurity training, seniors, veterans, and families are more vulnerable to online scams and fraud.

The digital divide is directly linked to poorer economic opportunity and poorer health outcomes — and every community losing DEA support is losing ground on both fronts.

If the U.S. wants to lead in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), we need a connected, digitally skilled public. Building infrastructure is only half the equation — people need the tools, training and support to actually use it. The $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program is still deploying physical broadband infrastructure; without the Digital Equity Act’s companion $2.75 billion investments in digital adoption and skills, much of that infrastructure risks going underutilized. The goal was never just to build networks — it was to ensure those networks are used and accessible to all of us.

So, what can you do?

• • Contact your members of Congress. Call and email your representative and both senators using these suggested scripts. Find your representatives at usa.gov/elected-officials. 
  • Engage locally. Organize community meetings and partner with local organizations
  • Spread the word. Share news of the ongoing lawsuits and the real-world impact of these cuts on social media and tag it with #SaveDigitalEquity. Public pressure matters in a fight like this.
  • Share Widely: Use social media to amplify the message.
    • Social media images to use for branding.

The digital divide does not widen on its own. It widens when we allow it to. Congress passed this law. The funding was on its way to local communities. Demand that it be restored.

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 policy.

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.