Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of states in filing an amicus brief to support schools facing the potential loss of federal mental health funding. The brief supports a lawsuit by a New Mexico school district challenging the U.S. Department of Education's decision to end grants under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, it emphasizes the need to maintain access to school-based mental health services, especially in underserved and rural areas.

"The Trump White House does not have the authority to strip hundreds of already-allocated mental health grants, especially when doing so would directly harm kids across the country," Nessel stated. "Whether it’s a school district in New Mexico or here in Michigan, every student deserves access to the mental health resources they need. I remain committed to fighting for these grants and standing up for the students who depend on them."

The brief warns about consequences if funding for school-based mental health programs is terminated. These programs were created to place more licensed mental health professionals in schools and build sustainable support systems for students. The coalition argues that cutting funds disrupts care and undermines investments aimed at improving school safety and student success.

Earlier this month, Attorney General Nessel filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education over cuts to K-12 school mental health funding. In Michigan, three entities are affected: the Michigan Department of Education, Grand Valley State University, and Lansing School District. These grants focus on increasing mental health professionals such as counselors and social workers in schools. The Department’s decision will exacerbate shortages, reducing student access to essential support.

The amicus brief contends that terminating these funds violates federal regulations and fails to consider harm to students, particularly in rural communities.

Attorney General Nessel is joined by her counterparts from Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.