Federal Judge Orders Trump Administration to Release Mental Health Grants for Schools
A federal judge ruled today that the Trump administration must release millions of dollars in grants earmarked for addressing the critical shortage of mental health professionals in schools across the country.
The grants, initially funded by Congress following the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, were designed to help schools hire more counselors, psychologists, and social workers, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The Trump administration halted the funding, citing objections to diversity considerations used in the grant awards and stating the funds would not be available past December 2025. U.S. District Court Judge Kymberly K. Evanson issued a preliminary ruling applying to sixteen Democratic-led states that challenged the Education Department’s decision.
The ruling restores funding to several counties, including approximately $3.8 million to Madera County, California, and $8 million to Marin County, California. Judge Evanson described the administration’s decision as “arbitrary and capricious,” noting that the states demonstrated “real harm” from the cuts; for example, in Maine, the grants supported the hiring and retention of vital mental health workers in nine rural school districts. This decision comes as schools nationwide grapple with increasing rates of student anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. More information about the growing need for school mental health services can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Biden administration had initially awarded the grants, prioritizing applicants who demonstrated plans to increase diversity among school counselors or serve communities directly impacted by the schools. The Trump administration argued that prioritizing race was harmful and conflicted with a focus on “merit, fairness, and excellence in education.” The case will continue to proceed while the ruling remains in effect; you can learn more about federal grant programs here.
The Education Department has not yet responded to requests for comment on the ruling.
