New Jersey officials announced an agreement with the Trump administration that will avoid more than $1 billion in federal funding cuts for New Jersey schools after the White House’s threat to cut funding spurred a lawsuit from New Jersey and more than a dozen other states.
Last April, the Trump administration adopted a new interpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and told states to comply or face budget cuts. Then-Attorney General Matt Platkin joined other states in suing the White House. But a lawsuit from the American Federation of Teachers wound its way through the courts first, and a federal court ruled the White House had overstepped its authority.
Monday’s agreement, announced in a press release, is a joint request to dismiss the lawsuit and a deal to continue funding the state’s education system.
“The agreement we’re announcing today ensures that the Trump Administration cannot cut off funding for our students — especially for students with special needs and other vulnerable youths — based on its misguided attack on programs that promote equal access to education in K-12 classrooms,” acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said. “Kids and teachers deserve these resources, and New Jersey taxpayers — who pay far more to Washington in taxes than they get back — deserve better than the constant attacks on their wallets and values by President Trump.”
The funding includes congressionally appropriated support for special needs students, low-income students, and teacher recruitment, among other programs.
The Trump administration asked states to certify that they had eliminated programming related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the states argued the White House lacked authority to make such demands.
“By securing this settlement, the multistate coalition is protecting more than $1 billion that directly supports students with disabilities, students from low-income families, multilingual learners, and other vulnerable children who rely on these programs every day,” said acting Commissioner of Education Lily Laux. “This outcome preserves our school districts’ ability to focus on what matters most: creating safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where all students can thrive and achieve academic excellence.”