Japanese League Responds To FCC Order

SAN FRANCISCO - The Japanese American Citizens League has issued the following statement in response to the Open Internet Order passed by the Federal Communications Commission during its December meeting.

As the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States, the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) has carefully followed and actively participated in net neutrality discussions for more than a year. We have been particularly concerned that underserved minority communities have adequate access to enhance their future through the Internet. As such, our engagement in this issue is to ensure that the proposed policies would not unintentionally hurt consumers and businesses in the end.

From healthcare to civic engagement to distance learning, broadband technology changes the lives of those who have access to it. However, as the FCC has recognized, there are many communities that have been left out of this technological evolution, and in this time of economic hardship, it is even more important to equip these communities with the tools they need to overcome their circumstances.

Thankfully, based on our initial understanding of the Order, it appears that the Commission has heeded our caution and approved a policy that will protect the well being of consumers online, as well as facilitate adoption initiatives and a digital future that incorporates all Americans. The JACL is committed to continue working with the FCC to assure that Asian American Pacific Islander communities are included in this important issue.