NY AG Blocks Trump Admin’s School Mental Health Funding Cut

New York – In a landmark victory for youth mental health services, New York Attorney General Letitia James has successfully secured a court order preventing the Trump administration from discontinuing federal funding for school-based mental health programs.

Attorney General James issued a statement following the decision, saying, “Every student deserves access to mental health care, no matter who they are or where they live. This order is a victory for our young people, and for every educator working to keep our schools safe and supportive. There is no reason to strip funding from critical programs that help students learn, heal, and thrive.”

James and 15 other attorneys general had filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education in July, aiming to halt the abrupt termination of two key grant programs created by Congress in response to school shootings like those in Parkland, Florida, and Uvalde, Texas. These grants were designed to address the nation’s youth mental health crisis by expanding access to mental health professionals in schools.

Today, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington granted the coalition’s motion for a preliminary injunction, ensuring that New York’s state universities and school districts can continue utilizing over $7.6 million allocated for their mental health programs.

The court’s decision comes as a relief to educators and students alike, who rely on these funding sources to provide essential support services. The ruling sets a precedent for the protection of federal funding for vital youth mental health initiatives across the country.

“I am relieved to see this funding restored,” James added. “I will continue fighting to ensure our children’s health and well-being are protected.”

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