States argue grant cancellations would violate existing federal injunction |
The U.S. Department of Education has asked a federal judge to clarify that an existing injunction does not prevent it from terminating nearly $1bn in school mental health grants, arguing that grant terminations fall under separate legal authority from grant continuation decisions. The department maintains that any future terminations would be lawful and should be challenged, if at all, in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, rather than under the current case. A coalition of 16 states disputes that interpretation, arguing the administration is attempting to achieve through grant terminations what the court has already prohibited through grant discontinuations, ending funding based on the Trump administration’s policy priorities regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. The states say the department has repeatedly delayed funding decisions, creating uncertainty that has already prompted some grant recipients to withdraw voluntarily. The grants support the Mental Health Professional Demonstration Grant Program and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program, which were established after major school shootings to address shortages of school-based mental health professionals. According to the states, the programs have served nearly 775,000 students in their first year, reduced suicide risk by 50% at high-need schools, and improved attendance, behavior, and student engagement.
