School buildings across the U.S. are shut down, many for the remainder of the academic year, to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). And yet in Washington, over 200,000 students are being asked to complete schoolwork without computers or internet access at home.
As we speak, our Washington representatives in Congress are writing the next round of legislation to support our nation through this crisis. They have the authority to allocate funding to provide at-home internet access right now.
Without access, students are being shut out and forcibly held back from their peers. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, students without internet access had to go the extra mile to complete homework assignments – either by going to their local library or staying late at school. Now, with stay-at-home orders blanketing most of the country, those lifelines are gone.
The system we’ve built to educate our children is still struggling to shake off and break down the barriers and hurdles that echo from inequitable and racist policies. Our state’s educators are demonstrating their commitment to their students every day amidst this crisis, and we are proud to stand by them as we build a better world together, rooted in justice.
While we urge lawmakers to act, if you are seeking internet service now, here is step-by-step guidance for getting access to home internet, we've compiled an initial list of options and providers offering free or reduced plans during this time.
As always, we are proud to be standing with you.
Libuse
Add a comment