FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMM ISSION WASHINGTON OFF ICE O F T HE CH A I RMAN The Honorable Michael Honda U.S. House of Representatives November 19, 2014 1713 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Honda: Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under the E-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children' s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require - as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program - that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIP A, a school' s or library ' s Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors ." Importantly, CIPA mandates that the determination of what material is "inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instmmentality of the U.S . Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is " inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under theE-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans gender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress's strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is " inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable Michael Honda I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS C OMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Earl Blumenauer U.S. House ofRepresentatives November 19, 2014 1111 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Blumenauer: Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under theE-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children ' s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require - as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program- that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIP A, a school' s or library ' s Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors ." Importantly, CIP A mandates that the determination of what material is " inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is " inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under theE-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIPA to block certain content simply because it is supportive ofLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress ' s strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is "inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable Earl Blumenauer I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. ~;;~ Tom Wheeler FEDER A L COMMUNICATIONS CO MM ISSION WASHI N GTON O F F ICE O F THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable David Cicilline U.S. House ofRepresentatives 128 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Cicilline: November 19, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under theE-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require- as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program- that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIP A, a school's or library's Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors." Importantly, CIPA mandates that the determination of what material is "inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is "inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under the E-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIPA to block certain content simply because it is supportive ofLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress's strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is "inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commi,ssion cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable David Cicilline I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Tom Wheeler F EDER A L COM M UNIC ATIONS C OMMISS IO N W A SH I N GTO N OF F IC E OF THE CHAJ RMAN The Honorable Keith Ellison U.S. House of Representatives 2244 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Ellison: November 19, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under the E-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children' s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require - as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under theE-rate program- that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIP A, a school' s or library ' s Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors." Importantly, CIP A mandates that the determination of what material is "inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is "inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under the E-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy . Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress's strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is " inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable Keith Ellison I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Raul Grijalva U.S. House ofRepresentatives November 19, 2014 1511 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Grijalva: Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under the E-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require- as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program - that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIPA, a school's or library's Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors ." Importantly, CIPA mandates that the determination of what material is "inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is "inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under theE-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive ofLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress ' s strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is "inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable Raul Grijalva I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely.:_;./.'// -dih;:1W- Tom Wheeler FEDERAL COMMUNIC ATIONS CO MMISSION WASHI NGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Rush Holt U.S. House of Representatives November 19, 2014 1214 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Holt: Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under theE-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children ' s Internet Protection Act (CIP A), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require - as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program - that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIPA, a school' s or library ' s Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors." Importantly, CIPA mandates that the determination of what material is " inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S . Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is " inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under theE-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans gender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress ' s strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is "inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable Rush Holt I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. ~fficerely~ W- 4if-,wi:f4 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Barbara Lee U.S . House of Representatives 2267 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Lee: November 19,2014 Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under theE-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require- as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program - that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIPA, a school' s or library ' s Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography ; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors." Importantly, CIP A mandates that the determination of what material is "inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is "inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under the E-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive ofLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress's strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is "inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable Barbara Lee I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. s; utt- Tom Wheeler FED ER AL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CH A IRM A N The Honorable Alan Lowenthal U.S. House ofRepresentatives 515 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Lowenthal: November 19, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under theE-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIP A), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require - as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program -that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIP A, a school's or library's Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors." Importantly, CIPA mandates that the determination of what material is "inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is "inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under the E-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive ofLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress's strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is "inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable Alan Lowenthal I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS C OMMI SSION WASHINGTON OFFIC E O F THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Jim McDermott U.S. House of Representatives November 19, 2014 1035 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative McDermott: Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under the E-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 ofthe Communications Act to require- as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program - that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIP A, a school' s or library ' s Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors." Importantly, CIP A mandates that the determination of what material is "inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is "inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under theE-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive ofLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress's strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is " inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable Jim McDermott I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. ;t:/t(/ Tom Wheeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS CO M MISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE O F T H E CHA I RMAN The Honorable Gregory Meeks U.S. House of Representatives 2234 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Meeks: November 19, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under the E-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children ' s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require - as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program - that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIP A, a school' s or library ' s Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors ." Importantly, CIP A mandates that the determination of what material is " inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is "inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under the E-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive ofLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress ' s strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is " inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable Gregory Meeks I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sillcerely#&'~ ~heeler FEDERAL COMMUNIC ATIONS CO MM ISSION WASHINGTON OFF I C E OF T H E CHAIRMAN The Honorable Jerrold Nadler U.S. House ofRepresentatives 2110 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Nadler: November 19, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under theE-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require - as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under theE-rate program- that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIP A, a school's or library ' s Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors." Importantly, CIP A mandates that the determination of what material is "inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is "inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under the E-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive ofLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress ' s strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is "inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable Jerrold Nadler I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely,~[ -~:eler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Mark Pocan U.S. House ofRepresentatives 313 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Pocan: November 19, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under theE-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children' s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require - as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program - that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIP A, a school' s or library's Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors ." Importantly, CIPA mandates that the determination of what material is " inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is "inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under the E-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans gender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress's strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is " inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable Mark Pocan I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNIC AT IONS CO MMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Jared Polis U.S. House of Representatives November 19,2014 1433 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Polis: Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under the E-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children' s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require- as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program - that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIPA, a school' s or library's Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors ." Importantly, CIP A mandates that the determination of what material is "inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is "inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under the E-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive ofLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress's strict determination that, for purposes of CIPA compliance, decisions about what material is "inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable Jared Polis I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. ; ittL Tom Wheeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFI C E OF THE CH A IR MA N The Honorable Charles Rangel U.S. House ofRepresentatives 2354 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Rangel: November 19, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under theE-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require- as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program - that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIPA, a school's or library's Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors." Importantly, CIP A mandates that the determination of what material is "inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is "inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under the E-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. · Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive ofLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress's strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is "inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable Charles Rangel I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIPA and theE-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Tom Wheeler FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OF FI C E O F THE CHAI R MAN The Honorable Adam Schiff U.S. House ofRepresentatives 2411 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Schiff: November 19,2014 Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under theE-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require- as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program- that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIP A, a school' s or library ' s Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors." Importantly, CIPA mandates that the determination of what material is "inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is "inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under theE-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive ofLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress's strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is "inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. j Page 2-The Honorable Adam Schiff I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sfficerely/;IL- ~eeler FEDERAL CoMMUNICATIONS CoMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Louise Slaughter U.S . House ofRepresentatives 2469 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Slaughter: November 19, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under the E-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children' s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require - as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program -that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIP A, a school' s or library ' s Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors." Importantly, CIP A mandates that the determination of what material is " inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S . Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is "inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under the E-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive ofLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress ' s strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is "inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable Louise Slaughter I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and theE-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS CO MM IS SION WASHINGTON OFFIC E OF TH E CHAIRMAN The Honorable Jackie Speier U.S. House ofRepresentatives 211 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Speier: November 19, 2014 Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under theE-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require- as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program- that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIP A, a school's or library ' s Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors." Importantly, CIP A mandates that the determination of what material is "inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S . Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is "inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under theE-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans gender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress's strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is "inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2-The Honorable Jackie Speier I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OF FIC E O F T H E CH AIRMAN The Honorable Mark Takano U.S. House ofRepresentatives November 19, 2014 1507 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Takano: Thank you for your letter expressing concerns regarding the implementation of online filtering policies for schools and libraries that receive support under theE-rate program. I appreciate hearing your views on this important issue. In enacting the Children' s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Congress amended Section 254 of the Communications Act to require- as a condition of receiving discounted Internet access and internal connection services under the E-rate program - that schools and libraries certify to the Commission that they have in place certain Internet safety policies and technology protection measures. Under CIP A, a school' s or library ' s Internet safety policy must include a technology protection measure that protects both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are "obscene; child pornography; or, with respect to minors, harmful to minors." Importantly, CIPA mandates that the determination of what material is " inappropriate to minors" must be made at the local level. Congress explicitly prohibited "any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government" from establishing criteria for, reviewing, or considering the criteria employed in determining what is " inappropriate." Rather, this determination lies solely with the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority receiving discounted Internet services under the E-rate program. These local entities are required to provide notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address any proposed Internet safety policy. Thus, while I share your outrage that any schools or libraries would use CIP A to block certain content simply because it is supportive ofLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and adults, the Commission is bound by Congress ' s strict determination that, for purposes of CIP A compliance, decisions about what material is "inappropriate for minors" be made at the local level. Unless and until Congress makes changes to this law, the Commission cannot review the decisions made at the local level. Page 2- The Honorable Mark Takano I appreciate your interest in this matter and hope this information is helpful to you in understanding the interplay between CIP A and the E-rate program. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.