The efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education were just the beginning salvos in what seems to be a wide-ranging attack on education programs and institutions.
One of the Trump Administration’s latest actions came in May when it set its sight on a program designed to boost access to technology in communities throughout the United States. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced it was terminating Digital Equity Act grants for at least 20 states.
President Trump made his feelings clear about the Digital Equity Act with a social media post that the program is “racist and totally unconstitutional.” “No more woke handouts based on race!” he wrote.
The Digital Equity Act, enacted in 2021, was designed to close the digital divide in every state and territory by establishing grants to support broadband access and digital skills training for underserved communities.
Supporters of the program quickly decried the grant terminations.
“These actions threaten to undermine critical efforts underway to close the digital access divide–not only for K-12 students, but also for veterans, older adults, rural communities, and families navigating essential digital opportunities and services,” the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) said. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to a future where every learner, in every zip code, has the connectivity and support they need to thrive.”
The American Library Association (ALA) called the Trump Administration’s action illegal.
“ALA is gravely concerned about the abrupt and illegal end of Digital Equity Act programs and funding,” ALA President Cindy Hohl said. “Broadband is a human right, and broadband access is core to modern life and success for school, work, healthcare, civic participation and social connections.”
American School & University has written about the Digital Divide often in the last 25 years, always from the perspective that the divide was a problem that schools should address so that all students have equal access to educational opportunities. The Digital Equity Act recognizes that bridging the divide is a worthwhile goal for society to pursue.
SETDA had it right when it said: “Equitable access to technology is not a partisan issue–it is a public good.”
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Selected projects will be published in the 2025 Architectural Portfolio issue this November- showcasing the best in education design. We invite you to include your latest outstanding education facility.
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About the Author
Mike Kennedy
Senior Editor
Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.