Rural Americans Wait After Judge Delivers Mixed Ruling on Digital Equity Dollars
A federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump can’t unilaterally kill the $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act, but he also sided with the administration by saying using race as a factor in awarding the grants is unconstitutional. The split decision has halted digital-skills programs for ethnic and racial minorities.
In July, federal judge John D. Bates ruled partially in favor of digital equity advocates against President Donald Trump's attempt to cancel a multibillion-dollar grant program created by Congress. However, Bates also agreed with the administration that it was unconstitutional to award money based on race or ethnicity under the program aimed at expanding internet skills and access.
Angela Siefer, executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, expressed disappointment over the decision. The $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act, passed in 2021, was part of President Joe Biden's "Internet for All" initiative. Trump, during his second term, attacked the Digital Equity Act on social media, calling it an "illegal" "woke handout."
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration halted the grant programs, leaving organizations in limbo. The government now plans to reinstate the competitive grant program without racial classification and release a new grant application in December. Rural residents, particularly low-income households and people of color, face digital divides in accessing internet and healthcare services.
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