A coalition of Democratic-led states has filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the Trump administration’s freeze on nearly $7 billion in public education funding. This legal action, initiated on March 15, 2024, accuses the Department of Education of unlawfully withholding essential funds designated by Congress to assist low-income and immigrant students.
The lawsuit marks the latest confrontation between state governments and the federal administration regarding federal aid policies. In previous cases, federal courts have occasionally ruled against the Trump administration’s attempts to halt federal funding. Notably, the administration did achieve a significant victory at the Supreme Court in April 2023 regarding its funding strategies.
More than 20 attorneys general from Democratic states, alongside two Democratic governors, are contesting the decision made by the administration late last month to suspend the disbursement of education funds across six different programs. These programs are vital for initiatives that support immigrant students in achieving English proficiency, provide after-school and summer programming, and enhance hiring and retention of teachers in economically disadvantaged areas.
The states argue in their suit that the administration’s actions contradict Congress’s long-standing commitment to provide federal assistance and the requirement for the government to allocate these funds effectively. Historically, these funds become available to states starting around July 1 each year, indicating a pressing timeline for the affected programs.
“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 lawsuit asserts.
The plaintiffs are requesting that a federal court in Rhode Island declare the funding freeze unconstitutional and compel the administration to cease its current plans. As this legal battle unfolds, CNN has reached out to the Department of Education for a statement regarding the lawsuit but has yet to receive a response.
This case adds to the ongoing debate about the allocation of federal resources and the priorities of the Trump administration, especially concerning vulnerable populations in the education sector. The outcome could have significant implications for states reliant on federal funding to support essential educational initiatives.