The United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry is proud to join the brief submitted by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law before the U.S. Supreme Court, which will consider this term whether the FCC’s Universal Service Fund (USF) is constitutional. The USF subsidizes access to modern communications for low-income people, schools and libraries and rural communities, it is critical to a more equitable and fair communications infrastructure. Not only this, but the decision under review is extreme and dangerous.
Broadband access is fundamental to full and equal participation in modern society. Without reliable and affordable Internet services, people of color frequently are excluded from opportunities to learn and work, cannot access public support programs or critical medical care, and are denied avenues for speech and civic participation. In the words of the late Rep. John Lewis, this digital divide in access to high-speed Internet is “the civil rights issue of the 21st century.”
If the USF were to be struck down, millions of Americans would be left without critical infrastructure to learn, work, obtain health care and participate in modern society. Supporters of the USF include major industry sectors, several industry trade associations and many public interest organizations. Oral argument is expected in late March and a decision by the end of term in June.
UCC Media Justice joined Access Now, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Japanese American Citizens League, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), National Action Network, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, National Council of Negro Women, National Urban League, and UnidosUS in filing the brief.
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