Federal Communications Commission DA 20-615 DA 20-615 Released: June 11, 2020 ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSITY AND DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT RELEASES STATEMENT ON CIVIL RIGHTS DEMONSTRATIONS AND THE RACIAL DIVIDE GN Docket No. 17-208 WASHINGTON, June 11, 2020—Today, the Federal Communications Commission’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment made the following statement regarding recent civil rights demonstrations: “The Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE) provides advice and recommendations to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) intended to identify and remove barriers that prevent historically disadvantaged communities from accessing the full range of opportunities made possible by communications, media, and technology.  Recurring racial violence and hostility against the Black community, compounded by the disparate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities of color, have lain bare the ages-old social, health, and economic inequities and systemic racism that continue throughout the country.   “The FCC is required by statute to promote policies that favor diversity of media voices, vigorous economic competition, technological advancement, and promotion of the public interest.  The establishment of the ACDDE, and its predecessor diversity advisory committees, helps to ensure that the Commission regulates the communications industry in a manner consistent with its statutory obligations.  Thus, a priority of the ACDDE is to identify and address inequities that exist in the marketplace.  “As a body of diverse professionals, we proudly serve on the ACDDE to assist the Commission’s effort to expand digital equity and empower diverse communities to spur educational, economic, and civic development.  We believe that the protection of constitutional rights and access to full empowerment under the Constitution are necessary and fundamental to a true United States.  Our work to develop and implement policies, practices, and processes for universal broadband, diverse workforce and suppliers, and meaningful ownership opportunities for people of color in the communications, media, and technology sectors is more critical than ever.  We believe our work gives voice to the voiceless and projects the possibilities offered by a ‘more perfect Union.’  It is our goal to support inclusive and smart solutions that enable all Americans to thrive in a digital world.  We look forward to continuing this work with the Commission on these critically important shared goals.   “In this regard, we invite members of the public to continue to engage with the ACDDE in its examination of these issues.  Please attend ACDDE meetings, file comments on our work, and feel free to contact us.  Additional information on the ACDDE is available at our website, https://www.fcc.gov/advisory-committee-diversity-and-digital-empowerment.” – FCC – 2