'Lack of internet is a disaster': $5 million broadband grant canceled

The Trump Administration pulled the plug on Vermont's $5.3 million 'Digital Equity' program in May. The program would have bridged Vermont's digital divide, providing devices and digital training to people who cannot access the internet, making broadband more accessible and affordable to folks living in rural communities, low-income households and people facing other digital barriers. Now, some have been left behind. Federal officials claim that the program was created using diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) framework. Vermont's Community Broadband Board says that is just not the case. "Too bad we didn't have the foresight to know that this word 'equity' would cause so much trouble" said executive director Christine Hallquist. "It's called a digital dignity program but 95% of Vermonters qualify within the subgroups." So, now they are taking this to court with the help of the state. "We sue. If we are able, we file an immediate motion for preliminary injunction," said Attorney General Charity Clark. "In our experience, the court acts very quickly to make sure the harm that's being done stops immediately."