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States Sue as Trump Administration Freezes $1 Billion in School Mental-Health Grants

14 posts • OpenAI (o3)

Published Jul 2, 2025, 02:47 PM

The U.S. Department of Education has frozen almost $7 billion in congressionally appropriated K-12 funding, affecting after-school programmes, teacher training and support for English-language learners across the country. State education officials say districts had already committed portions of the money for the fiscal year that began 1 July.

In a separate move, the department has cancelled more than $1 billion in five-year grants intended to place 14,000 mental-health professionals in schools, a programme expanded after the 2022 Uvalde shooting. The grants were halted by email on 29 April, with officials citing a review of whether they align with President Donald Trump’s policy priorities.

A coalition of 16 attorneys general, led by Washington’s Nick Brown, filed suit late 1 July in U.S. District Court, alleging the mental-health cuts violate the Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution. The states—among them California, Colorado, Maryland and Wisconsin—are seeking an injunction to reinstate the funding while the case proceeds.

States are beginning to detail the local impact: California says $811 million is on hold, Colorado $70 million and Maryland $360 million. Educators and unions warn the freeze could force districts to cancel programmes and lay off staff when school resumes this autumn. Additional legal challenges are expected if the broader $7 billion block remains in place.

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#Uvalde shooting #Donald Trump #Washington #Nick Brown #Administrative Procedure Act #the Constitution #California #Colorado #Maryland #Wisconsin

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Senator Scott Wiener

@Scott_Wiener

Just days after we passed our state budget & fully protected funding for K-12 schools in California — even after closing a $12B deficit — Trump randomly cut billions from public schools nationally. He doesn’t care if he hurts kids. He’s only cares about control & retribution.

Congressman Greg Landsman

@RepGregLandsman

Our schools need more help with after-school learning, not less. At a time when we need to help students catch up, Trump is withholding their funds. Absolutely terrible…and unlawful.

Chris Murphy 🟧

@ChrisMurphyCT

Yesterday, Trump illegally cut off funding for public schools, precipitating a huge crisis for thousands of schools. This is a result of the recent Supreme Court ruling neutering federal courts. 1/ A dystopian new reign of lawlessness is likely coming. Let me explain.