On February 28, 2019, advocates from the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC), Fight for the Future, Free Press, Open Technology Institute, and Public Knowledge gathered to discuss the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) net neutrality repeal with Congressional staffers. They explained the importance of the FCC’s inherent Title II authority, debunked myths about the 2015 Open Internet Order’s impact on broadband deployment, and provided numerous reasons why members of Congress should continue to fight for a free and open internet. As Congress reviews legislative remedies to restore net neutrality, Francella Ochillo, NHMC’s Vice President of Policy and General Counsel, explained that advocates have a responsibility to humanize the impact of ISPs being allowed to play favorites, censor content, or charge premiums for access online. It threatens to undermine free speech and opportunities for minority voices online, especially for Latinos and other communities of color who rely on open access to the internet. Access to an open internet is increasingly one of the most important tools in 21st century. It provides a universal platform for disenfranchised communities to get the nation to stop and take notice of social inequities and injustice which would otherwise be ignored.
