NY AG James Slams Trump on Education Funding Cutbacks

New York – In a bold move against the Trump administration’s assault on public education, New York Attorney General Letitia James has spearheaded a lawsuit, uniting 18 other state attorneys general. The coalition targets the unlawful directive to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in K-12 schools, which threatens billions in federal funding.

The controversy began on April 3 when the United States Department of Education demanded that states affirm they would not participate in any undefined ‘illegal’ diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. New York, along with other states, refused to sign the certification, steadfast in their commitment to civil rights laws. The refusal has left vital funding for low-income students, special education services, and foster care children hanging by a thread.

Attorney General James declared, ‘Every student deserves an environment that is inclusive and supportive. Trump’s administration is on a witch hunt, trying to dismantle efforts that protect our most vulnerable students while risking billions in essential federal education funding.’

The lawsuit seeks a court order to declare the April 3 certification demand unlawful and halt its implementation. Since January 20, President Trump has issued Executive Orders targeting diversity practices, but the administration has failed to define what constitutes an ‘illegal’ practice.

For New York State, federal funding is crucial. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) relies on over $3 billion in funding from the Department of Education, including nearly $1.4 billion in Title I funds and almost a billion under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Loss of this funding would be devastating for millions of students.

The lawsuit underscores the Trump administration’s ongoing war against diversity policies. The coalition argues that without clear guidelines on what is ‘illegal,’ the administration is effectively using education funding as leverage to suppress these vital programs. AG James stands firm, ready to protect New York’s schools and its children from this illegal attack on their education.

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