NWHSU Supports Student Access to Internet Amid COVID-19 School Closures

NWHSU has signed on to support the Supporting Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act, led by Sen. Klobuchar (D-MN) and Rep. Eshoo (D-CA-18), to ensure that students have access to internet so that they can continue learning while schools are closed in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“In an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus, 41 states across the country—including ours—have closed their schools, and additional closures are expected,” wrote U.S. Senators Klobuchar, Gary Peters (D-MI), and Jon Tester (D-MT) in a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai. “Meanwhile, nearly 12 million students still do not have access to the internet at home. As states temporarily close their schools and move to online instruction to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff, the FCC must take action to expand internet availability and keep Americans informed.

“It is for these reasons that we urge the FCC to use its existing authority and resources to ensure that all students can access online instruction at home to continue learning and keep Americans informed during this public health crisis. We respectfully request that you provide us with information on the steps that the FCC is taking to address this critical issue.”

In May, NWHSU joined more than 40 other national higher education leaders in endorsing the Supporting Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act, led by both Rep. Eshoo (D-CA-18) in the House and Sen. Klobuchar (D-MN) in the Senate.  This bill supports affordable access to broadband internet sufficient for students to complete their coursework during this COVID-19 pandemic to ensure they don’t fall behind.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect communities across the U.S., remote learning is a critical component for all NWHSU academic programs, says Deborah Bushway, Ph.D., president and CEO of Northwestern Health Sciences University. “We want to ensure that every student enrolled here at NWHSU, and at any institution across the nation, has equal access to the tools that they need to pursue their education, earn a degree, and propel their careers forward.”

NWHSU encourages individuals to support these legislative efforts by sending a letter to their elected representatives. Download a sample letter..