Schools Across US Protest FCC Plan That Could Disconnect Kids From Internet
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: Schools and libraries from around the U.S. pleaded with the Federal Communications Commission to drop the idea of ending E-Rate, a $2 billion-a-year program that connects students and library visitors to the Internet. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has criticized school districts for having "experimented with a massive increase in screen time for…
Schools and libraries across the United States are urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to abandon plans to end the E-Rate program, a $2 billion annual initiative that provides internet connectivity to students and library patrons. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has proposed the termination of E-Rate, citing concerns over excessive screen time for students and arguing that the program has expanded beyond its original intent of supporting basic internet access for educational purposes.
The proposal, which garnered a 2-1 vote from Carr and could result in reduced discounts and new restrictions for schools and libraries, has drawn strong opposition from various educational organizations. The National Association of Elementary School Principals and the American Library Association have both expressed their support for the continued operation of E-Rate, emphasizing that the FCC lacks the authority to regulate screen time or determine educational outcomes.
Under U.S. law, decisions regarding content appropriateness for children lie with school boards, local educational agencies, libraries, or other relevant authorities. The FCC's ability to terminate the E-Rate program is also limited, as it is mandated by Congress and administered by the FCC.
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