California and 15 states sue US over $200 million education funding rollback by ED

California Attorney General Rob Bonta , along with 15 other state attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Education (ED) over its sudden decision to rescind previously awarded education funds, leaving school districts in a vulnerable position. The funding, totaling over $200 million in California alone, is crucial for the ongoing academic recovery efforts following the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a press release issued on April 10, 2025, Bonta condemned the abrupt move by the Trump administration, accusing it of undermining the educational future of children across the country. The lawsuit, filed in response to ED's decision, argues that the department's actions are arbitrary, capricious, and unlawful under the Administrative Procedures Act. The coalition of states aims to secure a court order that would reinstate access to these vital funds.

Rescinding crucial funding for recovery programs
The US Department of Education's March 28, 2025, notification to state education departments revealed that it had rescinded its previous approvals for the allocation of funds, which were set to support a variety of programs in school districts nationwide. These programs include afterschool and summer learning initiatives, educational technology purchases, and mental health services.

In California, the rescinded funding represents over $200 million in aid that was designated for use in addressing the academic, social, and emotional needs of students—especially those impacted by the pandemic's disproportionate effects on economically disadvantaged groups, including homeless children and those in foster care. Local school districts in California had already begun utilizing these funds to ensure that students had the resources needed for recovery.

Bonta's response and coalition efforts
Attorney General Bonta expressed strong opposition to the Trump administration's actions, stating, "The Trump administration's blatant disregard for the education of our children is on full display with this latest round of funding cuts." He emphasized that the federal government's decision throws schools into turmoil and threatens the academic success of an entire generation of students. Bonta, who has previously filed legal challenges against the Trump administration, called on the court to restore the funding and ensure that school districts across the country could continue their recovery efforts.

The lawsuit has been filed in collaboration with attorneys general from Arizona, Delaware, Hawai'i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and the District of Columbia, along with the Governor of Pennsylvania.

Seeking court intervention to restore funding
The multistate coalition's lawsuit seeks to vacate the Department of Education's decision and reinstate the funding through March 2026. The legal challenge reflects growing frustration among states, as the federal government's action jeopardizes ongoing recovery initiatives in classrooms across the country. Without these funds, many educational programs that were already in place may face severe disruptions, putting the academic futures of millions of students at risk.