Washington Democratic Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell led 19 other Democrats in sending a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai on Tuesday.
The letter expresses concern that Pai’s draft order, known as the Restoring Internet Freedom Order, will harm students nationwide. The order repeals 2015 regulations on broadband internet access.
Without the rules, internet companies could change internet speeds to drive consumers to desired websites and discourage visiting non-favored sites. The FCC is meeting Thursday to consider adopting the order.
“By overturning the commission’s current rules that preserve net neutrality and prevent internet service providers from blocking, throttling, or otherwise privileging lawful content, we fear that the draft order could harm our nation’s students and schools-especially those in rural and low-income communities,” the letter reads.
The senators ask Pai to delay any decision until a full study on the potential impacts to students and their ability to learn is completed.
“The draft order runs counter to our national goal of affordable, high-speed internet for all students,” the letter continues. “By rolling back the FCC’s current prohibitions against blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization, the draft order could lead to a tiered and compartmentalized internet, and whose characteristic openness is limited to those students, schools, and institutions who can afford it.”
They further argue the education system relies on an open internet to improve equity and access.
“Entrepreneurs and educators alike have been able to develop high-quality educational technologies that support state standards and equip schools and teachers to personalize instruction,” according to the letter. “These technologies, which include educational apps and online coursework, help students learn valuable research and internet safety skills, and expand access to a high-quality education for students with disabilities and English learners.”
Murray said students in Washington, especially in rural areas, need open internet to study, learn and complete homework.
“It would be a huge mistake for the FCC to dismantle net neutrality rules that protect families and schools, and prevent corporations from blocking websites or gouging their internet bills,” she said in an email. “Every student today relies on the internet, so I believe the FCC should focus on expanding access to the internet and making it affordable and accessible to all.”
