COVID-19: The Impact of Limited Internet Access & Issues with Social Distancing for Native Students

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, universities and other institutions of higher education across the U.S. have transitioned academic coursework to online internet platforms. However, this transition assumes that Native students have constant access to affordable, and reliable internet options. As universities move to strictly online platforms, it’s important to recognize that not every student has internet access in their home communities. The assumption that Indigenous students have internet access once they return to their home communities is a grave, and unfortunate, misunderstanding. The ability to access the internet— and to have a reliable and affordable connection—may not always be the case for American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students. We must also be aware of our Pacific Islander students from the U.S. Territories that are Indigenous peoples far from home and live in remote regions.