Washington state leads lawsuit to prevent Department of Education’s cuts to school mental health grants

July 20, 2026 - 01:24

Attorney General Nick Brown filed a lawsuit on Friday, joining 14 other state attorneys general to stop the U.S. Department of Education from canceling federally approved school mental health grants. The legal action argues the department is acting unlawfully by cutting funds that Congress already set aside for student mental health services.

According to the lawsuit, the administration plans to end these grants at the end of July, despite a court order that blocks such action. The cuts would cost Washington schools and universities more than $20 million. The grants support counseling, crisis intervention, and other mental health programs for students across the state.

Brown said the department is ignoring the law and the needs of students who rely on these services. He called the move a direct violation of the court's directive and a harmful blow to schools already struggling with rising mental health challenges among young people.

The coalition of states argues that the termination is not only illegal but also disrupts ongoing programs that have been critical since the pandemic. Schools have used the money to hire counselors, train staff, and expand access to care.

The lawsuit asks the court to enforce the earlier order and prevent the department from cutting the grants. No hearing date has been set yet.