A coalition of Democratic-led states has filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the Trump administration’s freeze on nearly $7 billion in federal education funding. The states argue that the Department of Education unlawfully withheld essential resources earmarked by Congress to support low-income and immigrant students, among other beneficiaries.
The legal action, initiated on September 25, 2023, represents the latest conflict between state governments and the federal administration concerning the allocation of federal aid. Over the past years, federal courts have occasionally ruled against the administration’s attempts to suspend funding, although a significant victory was achieved by the administration at the Supreme Court in April.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit has been brought forth by more than 20 Democratic state attorneys general and two Democratic governors. They are contesting the administration’s decision made in late August to pause the distribution of funds for six educational programs pending a review of their alignment with President Donald Trump’s stated priorities. The programs affected include initiatives aimed at assisting immigrant students in achieving English proficiency, funding after-school and summer programs, and promoting the hiring and retention of teachers in low-income regions.
According to the lawsuit, the withholding of these funds contradicts Congress’s long-standing commitment to provide federal aid and the government’s obligation to allocate these resources effectively. Historically, states have begun receiving these funds around July 1 each year.
The lawsuit states, “Defendants’ actions now jeopardize these critical programs – the loss of which has irreparably harmed and will irreparably harm the Plaintiff States, their schools, and the students and families they serve.” The states are requesting that a federal court in Rhode Island declare the funding freeze unconstitutional and compel the administration to cease its current plans regarding the funds.
As of now, efforts to obtain a comment from the Department of Education regarding the lawsuit have yet to yield a response. The outcome of this legal challenge may have significant implications for educational funding and the support provided to vulnerable student populations across the affected states.
