Washington, D.C. — On Thursday, May 15, hundreds will rally outside the Federal Communications Commission’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., to protest Chairman Tom Wheeler’s proposal to allow rampant discrimination online. On this same day, thousands of activists, organizations and companies will take action online to save the Internet.

“Chairman Wheeler is feeling the grassroots pressure against his pay-for-prioritization proposal. But he still isn’t giving Internet users the Net Neutrality protections they demand,” said Free Press President and CEO Craig Aaron. “He needs to abandon the flimsy and failed legal approach of his predecessors and reclassify Internet service providers as the common carriers they are. If preventing fast and slow lanes on the Internet is the goal, reclassification is the way forward."

PRE-HEARING:

WHAT: Hundreds will rally outside the FCC building in opposition to Chairman Wheeler’s proposal to allow rampant discrimination online; thousands more will join the protest at may15.savetheinternet.com.

WHO: Digital rights activists, organizers, entrepreneurs, artists, educators and students

WHEN: The FCC rally will convene Thurs., May 15, from 9–10:30 a.m. EST. The nationwide protest will continue online throughout the day and will drive calls and emails to the FCC and members of Congress.

WHERE: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th St. SW, Washington, D.C. Online organizing hub at may15.savetheinternet.com.

POST-HEARING:

WHAT: Telephone press conference for immediate feedback from leaders of the Net Neutrality movement

WHO: Spokespeople from the grassroots and business coalition to protect Net Neutrality — including leaders of the groups that have come together to save the Internet

WHEN: Press call will begin at 1:30 p.m. EST, shortly after the FCC’s May 15 meeting and press conference adjourn.

For details including a dial-in number, timing of the call and bios of call participants, RSVP to Timothy Karr: tkarr@freepress.net.