The Next Civil Rights Frontier Is Digital

Mikayla Bruce

October 1, 2015

English, Period 6

Article of the Week, 3

The Next Civil Rights Frontier is Digital

        According to this article, access to an Internet connection from home is a “fundamental civil rights issue.”  I would agree that this is true because while technology advances, students’ educational approaches are altered as well.  By this, I mean that the list of necessities does not end with notebook paper, and writing utensils; now students are required to have Internet access as well.  Access to the Internet, the cost of equipment, and the lack of knowledge about this new technology, along with the language barriers majorly influence and contribute to this digital divide issue.

        The digital divide is a major concern, especially throughout the Latino community.  A study conducted in 2013 showed that just fifty-three percent of Latinos had Internet access from their homes, compared to the seventy-four percent of white families who were already connected.  Unfortunately, a number of households cannot afford regular subscriptions, although Internet access is essential for a student’s academic success.  Children who are not connected will often find themselves at a disadvantage compared to their peers.