NEA statement on Supreme Court decision to maintain E-Rate

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Supreme Court today ruled 6-3 in Federal Communications Commission v. Consumers’ Research, upholding the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund and ensuring the federal E-Rate program would stay intact. The ruling is a win for students and educators everywhere by helping them to open the door to online learning with affordable and accessible high-speed broadband and telecommunications services. Recent research reveals an estimated 25% of all school-aged children live in households without broadband access or a web-enabled device such as a computer or tablet. The National Education Association joined a broad-based coalition of education groups in filing an amicus brief in the case, asking the court to uphold the critical funding source for these vital programs that students depend on.

The following statement can be attributed to NEA President Becky Pringle: 

“No matter where students live, connectivity is critical to conducting research, doing homework, and attending virtual classes. For some, the internet, tablets, and computers like Chromebooks or laptops are simply too expensive. Oftentimes, multiple people in the same household have to share one or two devices with limited access and time to do homework, research, and refine skills essential to learning. Others lack access to sufficient broadband infrastructure. Federal programs like E-Rate help schools purchase and provide Wi-Fi hotspots, connected devices, and other necessary technology all our students need to learn, grow, and thrive. The Supreme Court’s decision today protects Congress’s commitment through the federal E-Rate program to provide students with these vital educational resources.”

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.