51萝莉

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC 鈥� June 27, 2025 鈥� The following statement was released today by the Education and Libraries Networks Coalition (EdLiNC) in response to today鈥檚 Supreme Court decision in Consumers Research et. al v FCC. The decision upholds the funding mechanism of the Universal Service Fund, which include the schools and libraries (E-Rate) program:

鈥淓dLiNC, representing the nation's leading education and library organizations, applauds the U.S. Supreme Court鈥檚 decision to uphold the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund (USF) in Consumers Research v. FCC. This ruling affirms the FCC鈥檚 longstanding authority to administer the USF鈥攁nd by extension, its schools and libraries program, more commonly referred to as 鈥楨-Rate鈥欌�攅nsuring that millions of students and library patrons nationwide can continue to access the internet services they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

鈥淔or over two decades, the E-Rate program has been a cornerstone of educational equity and digital inclusion, helping public and private schools and public libraries鈥攑articularly in low-income and rural areas鈥攁fford high-speed broadband and telecommunications services. Today鈥檚 decision reinforces the vital role of E-Rate and USF in narrowing the digital divide and promoting opportunity through connectivity.

鈥淓dLiNC applauds this critical ruling. The Court鈥檚 decision provides much-needed certainty and stability for schools, libraries, and the students and patrons they serve. At a time when robust internet access is more essential than ever for teaching, learning, and workforce development, the Court has safeguarded a lifeline that communities across the country depend on.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 ruling marks a victory鈥攂ut not the end of the work. EdLiNC urges Congress, the FCC, and policymakers at all levels to continue protecting and modernizing the E-Rate program and the broader USF. Ensuring sustained, affordable broadband access for schools and libraries is not just a policy imperative鈥攊t is a moral one. E-Rate remains one of the federal government鈥檚 most effective tools for promoting educational opportunity. We look forward to working with federal leaders to uphold and expand this critical program for the benefit of every learner, in every zip code.鈥�

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EdLiNC Contacts:

Jon Bernstein 鈥� jon@bsg-dc.com
Noelle Ellerson Ng 鈥� nellerson@aasa.org
Megan Janicki - mjanicki@alawash.org

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About EdLiNC
EdLiNC, the Education and Libraries Networks Coalition, is composed of national education and library associations that united in 1995 to secure the inclusion of schools and libraries in the Universal Service Fund through the E-Rate program. The coalition continues to advocate for policies that ensure equitable, high-quality broadband access for all students and library users. Learn more at .