The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the lives of many people across the globe, including students. Yet nearly a year later, many students at the University of California, Santa Barbara continue to find themselves struggling to afford the increasing costs of connectivity. With the closure of many on-campus resources and free WIFI hubs, students have had to bare the brunt of an increasing internet bill without any tuition reductions or refunds. 

With an increased demand for connectivity, the transition towards remote learning has not been easy nor accessible for many struggling UCSB students. During a time of economic hardship, the University of California, Santa Barbara has failed to bring about any monetary relief for students despite the increasing demand, and cost of connectivity. 

We deserve aid in times of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic. UCSB students should be given quarterly stipends to help cover some of the costs incurred by increased internet usage.

If this issue affects you and you feel as though it needs to be addressed, please sign and share this petition!

https://www.crpe.org/thelens/digital-divide-among-students-during-covid-19-who-has-access-who-doesnt

https://edsource.org/2020/california-still-lacks-connectivity-for-more-than-300000-students-during-distance-learning/641537

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/04/30/53-of-americans-say-the-internet-has-been-essential-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/

https://www.newamerica.org/oti/reports/cost-connectivity-2020/introduction/