A group of 16 states led by Democrats has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration, contesting reductions in mental health funding for schools under the Department of Education.
This legal action follows an announcement in April regarding a $1 billion cut to mental health resources, with officials citing issues relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the existing contract.
The states argue that the termination of the contract violates the Administrative Procedure Act and disregards directives from Congress. According to the lawsuit, these cuts could lead to “immediate and catastrophic harm” for schools.
“Cutting funding for these crucial youth mental health programs means the Department of Education is turning its back on our children at a critical time,” remarked New York Attorney General Letitia James. “These grants have been vital for thousands of students needing access to essential mental health services amid rising levels of depression, trauma, and anxiety.”
“By eliminating these grants, we’re inflicting significant damage on children and families in New York and beyond, and my office is committed to opposing these changes to protect these vital programs,” she continued.
The lawsuit is being pursued by states including New York, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Department of Education were made.
In their initial announcement regarding the funding cuts, the department demonstrated an interest in grants intended to disadvantage children.
“These grants are supposed to enhance the mental health of American students by funding more mental health professionals in schools. Yet, under the current administration’s priorities, the funds have been used for racially-oriented programs that could negatively impact students, irrespective of their mental health needs,” James commented.
“We owe it to American families to ensure taxpayer dollars support evidence-based practices genuinely aimed at improving students’ mental health,” she concluded.
