Ask DC to Ensure That Children Who Need a Computer or Internet Service To Get That Access!

Ask DC to Ensure That Children Who Need a Computer or Internet Service To Get That Access!

Started
July 15, 2020
Petition to
District of Columbia Public Schools; DCCouncil and 1 other
Signatures: 744Next Goal: 1,000
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Why this petition matters

Started by The University of The District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law Juvenile and Special Education Law Clinic

PLEASE SIGN A PETITION TO REQUEST THAT DC INVEST MORE TO ENSURE THAT EVERY STUDENT WHO CAN'T ACCESS EDUCATION BECAUSE THEY LACK A COMPUTER OR INTERNET SERVICE RECEIVES THE TECHNOLOGY THEY NEED TO LEARN.

COVID-19 has adversely affected students and parents of Washington, D.C. Thousands of DC students fell behind educationally because they could not access remote learning. As we approach the 2020 fall semester, there are many students who still do not have internet service or a computer in order to access remote learning. That means they won't be able to access the education to which they are entitled under the U.S. Constitution and D.C. law.

D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and the D.C. Mayor have claimed that the city does not need to invest more money to give DCPS students more computers, but many DCPS students still lack access to a computer and/or the internet, despite asking for help. See recent news articles at https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/advocates-push-for-more-money-to-get-dcps-students-technology/65-8acba592-bf24-426b-98aa-e14fad3a2033 and https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/dc-schools-online-access/2020/04/07/5a4f3d66-754c-11ea-85cb-8670579b863d_story.html. Many children at D.C. public charter schools also still do not have the technology they need to access remote learning.

We can't let more children fall behind. All children have a right to receive an education, no matter their race, ethnic background, religion, or sex, whether they are rich or poor, or whether they are a citizen or non-citizen. During the pandemic, it is imperative that all students have the tools they need to receive a proper education. This means every student must have access to a computer and internet service.

Please sign the petition to support D.C. children's access to education during the pandemic!

In the Reasons for Signing section below, please explain why this issue matters to you. For instance, if you requested a computer from a public school in D.C., but did not receive one, please describe your experience!

Together, we can get the computers and internet services that D.C. students so desperately need.

Support now
Signatures: 744Next Goal: 1,000
Support now
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