POLICY SPOTLIGHT | Impact of Net Neutrality Repeal on Vulnerable Student Populations
By Joshua Morales | LEDBetter.org
Summary
The recent U.S. appeals court decision blocking the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from reinstating net neutrality rules has far-reaching implications for education, particularly for vulnerable student populations. Among those most at risk are students with disabilities, English Language Learners (ELLs), students in temporary housing, immigrant students, and those in low-income and rural communities. These groups rely heavily on accessible, affordable internet for learning opportunities, and changes to how internet service providers (ISPs) manage and charge for access could worsen existing inequities.
The repeal of net neutrality protections threatens to exacerbate disparities between affluent and underfunded school districts, as well as between urban and rural communities. At LEDbetter, this is an issue dear to our hearts as our founder, Dirk Tillotson, dedicated the last years of his life working to assure a right to free high speed internet to every student.
Without safeguards for equal access, low-income families and rural students—who already face significant challenges in accessing high-speed internet—risk falling further behind. These growing gaps will diminish the quality of education, access to resources, and student outcomes for schools and communities already struggling with limited resources.
As schools increasingly depend on online learning tools and digital platforms, the implications of this decision demand urgent action. Ensuring equitable internet access for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location, is critical to achieving fair and inclusive education.
A Closer Look: How Vulnerable Students Are Impacted
Students with Disabilities | The internet is crucial for students with disabilities who rely on assistive technologies, speech-to-text tools, and virtual learning platforms. Without net neutrality, smaller providers of these tools may face reduced availability, and families could bear additional costs to ensure access.
English Language Learners (ELLs) | ELL students use online language learning programs, translation tools, and supplemental educational content. If ISPs prioritize larger, commercial providers over low-cost resources, these essential tools may become harder to access, hindering academic progress.
Students in Temporary Housing | Students experiencing homelessness or living in temporary housing often depend on public Wi-Fi or subsidized internet programs. The repeal of net neutrality could increase costs for high-speed internet, creating barriers that lead to chronic absenteeism and disengagement.
Immigrant Students | Immigrant students rely on online resources to learn English, navigate new educational systems, and stay connected to their cultural identities. Without affordable internet access, they risk losing critical support, further isolating them and their families.
Low-Income Students | For low-income families, high-speed internet is already a financial strain. Without protections, ISPs may charge more for premium services, putting reliable access out of reach and isolating students from critical educational tools.
Rural Students | Rural communities already face limited broadband infrastructure. Without net neutrality, ISPs may deprioritize investment in these areas, leaving rural students with even fewer options for reliable internet access.
Educational Content at Risk
Schools depend on free or low-cost educational platforms to supplement instruction. The repeal of net neutrality risks creating a two-tiered internet where affluent students access premium resources while their low-income peers struggle with slower or limited options.
Barriers to Remote Learning and Innovation
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of remote learning, yet the repeal of net neutrality may undermine future efforts to provide equitable access. ISPs could limit bandwidth for educational tools or impose higher fees on schools and districts. This would disproportionately affect underfunded schools and limit the growth of innovative tools that often serve low-income communities.
Challenges Amplified | Data and Outcomes That Matter
Vulnerable students population already face challenges, including:
Chronic Absenteeism: Unreliable internet access prevents students from participating in online classes, leading to frequent absences and causing them to fall behind academically. This is particularly a challenge for students in temporary housing, who already face high rates of absenteeism.
Lower Proficiency Rates: Limited access to high-quality digital resources widens gaps in academic performance, especially in core subjects like English Language Arts and mathematics. English Language Learners (ELLs) and students with disabilities, who rely on specialized tools, are disproportionately affected.
Higher Dropout Rates: Without access to the internet for homework, research, and college applications, students may feel disconnected from educational opportunities and disengage from school altogether. Immigrant students and those in temporary housing are especially vulnerable to this risk.
Exacerbating Gaps Between Affluent and Poor Districts
Unequal Access to High-Speed Internet | Affluent districts can afford premium internet plans, ensuring uninterrupted access to advanced educational tools, while poor Districts struggle to afford reliable internet, leading to slower connections and reduced functionality for online resources.
Limited Digital Resources | Affluent districts can partner with large content providers for prioritized access to high-quality platforms. wheras poor districts often rely on free or low-cost resources that ISPs may deprioritize, limiting availability
Disparities in Teacher Support | Affluent districts Invest in teacher training for advanced technologies and online learning, while poor districts lack resources for professional development, leaving teachers and students at a disadvantage
Barriers for Remote Learning | Affluent districts can provide devices, subsidized internet, and IT support to ensure equitable participation, wheras poor distrcts struggle to equip students with devices or reliable internet, limiting access to remote learning opportunities.
Impact on Innovation | Affluent districts can support partnerships with cutting-edge ed-tech companies, whereas poor districts rely on smaller ed-tech providers, which may be unable to compete for bandwidth prioritization
The Bigger Picture
The repeal of net neutrality shifts the burden of digital equity onto districts and families, disproportionately affecting those least able to absorb the costs. This widening gap could lead to:
Lower academic achievement and college readiness in underfunded schools.
Greater digital illiteracy among low-income and rural students, affecting their future employability.
Increased economic and educational inequality at the national level.
Call to Action
Policymakers and educational leaders must act to prevent worsening disparities by:
Advocating for State and Federal Subsidies to ensure equitable access to high-speed internet.
Investing in Underfunded Schools to provide technology and training necessary to compete in a post-net-neutrality landscape.
Collaborating with ISPs to offer affordable, prioritized access to educational content for underserved communities.
How LEDbetter Can Help
Ledbetter is here to support schools and districts grappling with these challenges. We offer:
Workshops for Teachers and Staff on strategies for addressing the digital divide and supporting vulnerable students.
Advocacy and Policy Support to navigate systemic challenges and advocate for equitable broadband policies.
Technology Solutions to help districts implement low-cost or subsidized internet programs.
E-rate application and SAM.gov support, where we have secured over 3M for individual schools with discounts for internet and network management services.
The internet is no longer a luxury—it is a fundamental component of education. Ensuring equitable access to digital tools and resources is critical to achieving educational equity. Contact Ledbetter today to explore how we can help your school or district bridge the digital divide and create equitable solutions for all students.
Reach out to us by telling us your needs or scheduling a virtual meeting with us today.
