What is the Digital Divide in the US?

As we follow the recommendations for physical distancing, the importance of online connectivity increases. Schools and universities have moved to distant learning, telework has become the norm for many industries and workers, and essential public and government services have moved online.  Yet millions of Americans, disproportionately low income households, senior citizens, communities of color and rural Americans, don't have access to or can't afford needed broadband Internet connections. Trustee and President-Elect of the Northwestern Alumni Association Board of Directors, Larry Irving ’76, who authored the first reports identifying the digital divide 25 years ago, will discuss the origins and evolution  of the concept of the Digital Divide, the implications of the Divide for society and education during the COVID-19 pandemic, and will suggest how we can move forward to greater digital equity and inclusion.