Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with attorneys general from 15 other states, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education. The lawsuit challenges the department's decision to cut funding for mental health programs in K-12 schools, which was initially approved by Congress.

The funding in question was appropriated following a tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 students and two teachers lost their lives. In response, Congress allocated $1 billion to bring 14,000 mental health professionals into schools permanently. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) reported that nearly 775,000 students were served and about 1,300 school mental health professionals were hired during the first year of this initiative. According to NASP data from sampled programs, there was a notable reduction in suicide risk at high-need schools and improvements in absenteeism and behavioral issues.

The Department of Education had awarded grants for a five-year period but decided on April 29, 2025, to discontinue these grants due to conflicts with priorities set by the Trump Administration. This decision affected several grantees including the Michigan Department of Education, Grand Valley State University, and Lansing School District.

Attorney General Nessel criticized the funding cuts stating: “Mental health should be a priority for any administration – especially when it comes to our students.” She emphasized that cutting congressionally approved funding is not only illegal but also irresponsible as it exacerbates the existing mental health crisis in schools.

The coalition filed their lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. They argue that the Department's actions violate both the Administrative Procedure Act and the U.S. Constitution. The attorneys general are seeking an injunction to reverse the non-continuation decision.

Joining Nessel are attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington state and Wisconsin.