Trump Administration Cuts $1 Billion in School Mental Health Grants

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration announced on April 29 that it will cancel approximately $1 billion in federal grants aimed at helping schools hire mental health professionals.

The U.S. Department of Education informed affected school districts that the Biden administration violated federal civil rights laws while administering these grants. The funds were originally allocated under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, created in response to the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, which left 19 students and two teachers dead.

Superintendent Derek Fialkiewicz of Corbett, Oregon, said the funding allowed his district to increase its mental health staff significantly. Before the funds, his school only had two counselors for 1,100 students. With the federal aid, they hired five social workers, enabling the district to better address student mental health needs, especially post-COVID.

Fialkiewicz, who was informed that funding will end in December 2025, expressed disappointment, saying, “We’re going to end up going back to having two counselors in our district.” He feels that removing these resources will harm students who are already struggling.

The grants were popular among many legislators, including some Republicans. Senators John Cornyn of Texas, Susan Collins of Maine, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina supported the legislation, emphasizing the importance of mental health services in preventing violence among adolescents.

Mary Wall, a former K-12 policy advisor during the Biden administration, stated that nearly 260 districts received part of the funding, and now they must find alternative resources as the grants will not be renewed.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Madison Biedermann stated the decision to cancel the grants was based on claims that they were used for actions unrelated to improving mental health, such as enforcing diversity initiatives. “We owe it to American families to ensure that taxpayer dollars are supporting evidence-based practices,” Biedermann said.

Critics like Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, condemned the cuts, arguing they directly threaten student safety and well-being. She stated the abrupt decision undermines progress made to support mental health in schools.

Dr. Tish Brookins, a social worker in Kentucky, pointed out the potential long-term negative effects on students who rely on mental health support in schools. “This cut undermines every effort we’ve made to build safe and equitable schools,” she said.

The letter notifying schools of the grant’s cancellation stated that the funding mechanisms conflicted with the administration’s priorities. The decision illustrates a broader trend where the Trump administration is cracking down on diversity and inclusion programming across various federal programs.

As school districts brace for the end of funding, many educators worry about the future of mental health services for students nationwide.