SerpApi.Org
Attorneys general in 15 states, including Washington, are suing the Trump administration for canceling a program designed to help districts hire and train more school-based mental health professionals.
The lawsuit argued cutting the funding is unlawful and would harm students dealing with issues like loneliness, substance abuse and fear of violence.
Lauren Mendez, CEO of the Washington School Counselor Association, said rural and high-need school districts in the state have been struggling to recruit a mental health workforce.
"These types of cuts typically impact our students who do not have access to private insurance, who have Medicaid. School-based supports are often the most accessible source to each and every student," Mendez explained.
The $1 billion Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program was the result of a bipartisan effort by Congress after the 2018 Parkland school shooting and was expanded following the 2022 Uvalde shooting.
The Trump administration argued the program conflicts with its policy of prioritizing merit and fairness in education but Mendez countered having access to mental health services benefits all students and makes everyone safer.
Mendez stressed cutting the program will mean Washington school districts will miss out on over $20 million, which had already been promised in the form of five-year grants.
"How are we supporting our students to achieve their dreams, to be a caring community member, to feel that they have the resources they need when situations feel unsafe or uncomfortable?" Mendez asked.
The Trump administration first tried to halt the funding last year, an action found to be illegal. The latest lawsuit is an effort to reinforce the previous court order.
Mendez added the program has brought mental health services to nearly 775,000 students nationwide.
