SEATTLE, Wash. – A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Department of Education unlawfully discontinued mental health grants for K-12 schools. This decision came from a multistate lawsuit led by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown.
The lawsuit, joined by the attorneys general from states including California, Colorado and New York, argued that the department acted illegally by ending the grants due to conflicting priorities with the Trump administration. U.S. District Court Judge Kymberly Evanson granted the states’ summary judgment motion, requiring the department to meet with states and establish a timeline for lawful continuation decisions.
Members of Congress initially allocated $1 billion to introduce 14,000 mental health professionals into schools most in need. These programs have benefited nearly 775,000 K-12 students, especially in low-income and rural areas.
“We’re facing a youth mental health crisis. Making sure our kids have proper support should never be subject to political whim,” Brown said.
The Department of Education had previously issued notices on April 29, stating that the grants would be discontinued. On June 30, Brown and other attorneys general challenged this action, arguing it violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
Judge Evanson agreed with the states, stating that multi-year grants should not be discontinued based on political will. Her ruling followed a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision on December 2, which denied the department’s request for a stay of Evanson’s preliminary injunction.
