LOS ANGELES – California is suing the Trump administration for the sixth time, challenging what it calls the illegal termination of $148 million in federal grants intended to address the state’s teacher shortage, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Thursday.
The lawsuit, filed as Trump seeks to dismantle the United States Department of Education, claims that the administration unlawfully revoked funding that had already been approved by Congress.
The cuts affect not only California, but also seven other states, resulting in a loss of $250 million in education grants nationwide.
“Disheartening and disappointing, yes, but not surprising,” Bonta stated during a press conference. “These funds are critical for getting teachers into rural schools, urban schools, and hard-to-fill positions like math, science, and special education.”
The loss of funding is expected to have a significant impact on major California universities. UCLA will lose $8 million, affecting its program that prepares middle school principals and teachers for the Los Angeles Unified School District. More than 300 educators will be impacted.
Cal State LA will lose $7.5 million, eliminating a program designed to prepare teachers for low-income communities, bilingual education, and special education. Nearly 280 teachers and educators associated with the program will be affected.
Bonta warned that the cuts will result in layoffs, reduced school staff hours, and a worsening teacher shortage crisis.
In response, California and the other affected states are requesting a temporary restraining order to prevent funding cuts and restore grants.
“This may be the latest lawsuit,” Bonta said. “Unfortunately, I doubt it will be the last.”
Meanwhile, Trump is expected to issue an executive order instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to dissolve the Department of Education, a move that experts warn could exacerbate the crisis in public education and student loan management.
