California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York has granted a preliminary injunction to prevent the federal government from withdrawing access to significant education funding while legal proceedings continue. This decision affects over $200 million in California alone, which is already being utilized by school districts for programs such as afterschool and summer learning initiatives, educational technology purchases, and mental health services.
Attorney General Bonta stated, "The Trump Administration continues to break the law, and we continue to hold him accountable." He expressed satisfaction with the court's decision to allow continued funding for schools during the ongoing case. "We will not stop fighting to ensure these unlawful, nonsensical funding cuts never see the light of day. Our students deserve nothing less," he added.
The situation began on March 28, 2025, when Education Secretary Linda McMahon informed state education departments that the U.S. Department of Education had rescinded access to previously awarded funds meant for academic recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic. These funds are crucial for addressing lost instructional time and supporting economically disadvantaged students, including homeless children and those in foster care.
On April 10, 2025, Attorney General Bonta and a coalition of states challenged this action by the Department of Education. They argue that rescinding these funds is arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedures Act and exceeds statutory authority, potentially causing immediate harm to school districts nationwide.