NEW YORK, NY – Color Of Change, the nation’s largest online racial justice organization, issued the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler’s resignation.

Rashad Robinson, Executive Director of Color Of Change:

“We strongly commend the work of FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler alongside Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel over last three years, and are honored to have been able to partner with his staff on some of the most pressing communications issues of the 21st century. Throughout his tenure, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler proved himself to be an ally of communities of color and fought for expansion of lifeline and broadband access – a crucial service for low income families in rural and urban communities – capped the cost of prison phone calls which were previously operating at unconscionable rates, and ensured the privacy rules and net neutrality protections that defend the promise and integrity of the Internet, while shielding our communities from greedy corporations and predatory marketing practices.

“Though we didn’t agree with every decision, the FCC under Chairman Wheeler in many ways defied the conventional wisdom that corporate money always beats people power. He listened to the concerns of a diverse nation and put in place many policies that lay the groundwork for true equity and affordable communications. For that we are grateful.

“Looking forward, it’s imperative that the FCC continues to advocate for low-income communities and communities of color by ensuring that the great strides taken by Wheeler are not undone. It’s also critical that the FCC heeds the call of activists and political leaders to limit the invasive technologies being used to by police in Baltimore and elsewhere to target, arrest and over prosecute Black and brown people on low-level, non-violent offenses. Though the Trump administration has already promised to undo everything the FCC has accomplished in ensuring equity and affordability,  we will never cease fighting the hard-won rights and freedoms of Black and other oppressed communities.”