Individuals who are Members of a Racial or Ethnic Minority Group

Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program Forms

The White House Office of Management and Budget's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) has scored four forms that will be part of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. The four forms are: Application, Consolidated Budget, Digital Equity Plan Amendments, and Specific Projects. OIRA has calculated how many hours it will take to complete each form.

Color of Change Pens Letter to Biden-Harris Administration on Affordable Connectivity Program

Color Of Change is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization, representing millions of members nationwide. If your Administration does not take action to replenish funds for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), millions of families, including Black families, will lose access to affordable, high-speed internet along with all of its benefits. Broadband remains unaffordable for millions, including the 1 out of 5 Black people who do have home internet.

Reps Clyde and Carter Challenge FCC’s “Digital Discrimination” Rule

Reps Andrew Clyde (R-GA) and Buddy Carter (R-GA) led 65 House Republicans in introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) new "digital discrimination" rule. On November 15, 2023, the FCC finalized a new rule to “prevent digital discrimination of access to broadband services.” The rule hands the Biden Administration’s bureaucratic state effective control of all internet services and infrastructure in the US—giving the FCC unchecked unconstitutional authority to implement regulations restricting every as

Empowering Black Communities: The Essential Role of the Affordable Connectivity Program in Enhancing Digital Equity

In our increasingly connected world, dependable and reasonably priced internet access is an essential lifeline. However, on February 7, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will end enrollments for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a broadband affordability program benefitting over 20 million households.

The African American Mayors Association Urges Extension of Affordable Connectivity Program Funding

The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) has urged congressional leaders to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides high-speed internet service to low-income households nationwide. The coalition issued a statement on January 25. The AAMA seeks an additional $7 billion to ensure the program’s continuation. Since its inception, the ACP has afforded high-speed internet access to more than 20 million low-income families and has positively impacted the lives of communities of color disproportionately affected by these conditions.

Los Angeles Becomes First US City to Outlaw Digital Discrimination

The city council in Los Angeles (CA) passed a motion banning “digital discrimination,” which is when internet service providers inequitably deploy high-speed internet connections or disproportionately withhold the best deals for their services from racially or socio-economically marginalized neighborhoods.The legislation, authored by Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, expanded the types of discrimination the city could investigate to include digital discrimination.

Democracy Fund Invests $3 Million in Local Organizing for Digital Equity

In 2023, Democracy Fund invested $3 million in grants to support state and local leaders advancing digital equity. We believe this work is vital for an inclusive, multiracial democracy. The 2023 Digital Democracy grantees  all share a commitment to action toward community-focused media policy and tech accountability. 

Digital Skills and Accessibility in Mississippi

The Mississippi Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) released its draft State Digital Skills and Accessibility (DSA) Plan for a 30-day public comment period on January 5, 2024. The Mississippi DSA Plan outlines how BEAM will work towards ensuring broadband accessibility, affordability, digital skills training, and digital opportunities for all citizens.

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Files Petition for Review

"We are extremely pleased that the FCC has adopted new and powerful rules prohibiting digital discrimination.  We have nonetheless challenged two small, but important provisions of the rules today in the U.S.