Connecticut Takes Legal Action Against Trump Administration Over Cuts to School Mental Health Funding

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has taken a stand against the Trump administration’s decision to cut mental health grants for public schools. This includes a crucial program intended to support social work interns who serve four low-income districts in Connecticut.

The University of Connecticut (UConn) was set to receive just over $3 million through the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This funding aimed to provide mental health services in Hartford, New Britain, Waterbury, and Vernon by allowing 25 graduate students to work in these schools. UConn planned to kick off the program this fall, but now officials expect funding to end in December.

Tong’s lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, has the support of 16 other states, mostly led by Democratic governors. These states express concern about how the cuts will impact students seeking mental health care.

The UConn grant is part of a larger $1 billion allocation for mental health services aimed at high-need school districts. Nationwide, this funding has allowed the hiring of 1,300 mental health professionals and has supported about 775,000 K-12 students. Reports indicate that in schools benefiting from these funds, the risk of suicide among students has halved, along with reductions in absenteeism and behavioral issues. With mental health workers staying on staff, students experience shorter wait times for support.

In December, UConn announced an initiative called the School Social Work Scholars program, using $588,000 from the grant to diversify social workers in the targeted school districts.

Tong and the other attorneys general argue that the administration’s decision is “arbitrary and capricious” and lacks clear reasoning. They believe it could lead to layoffs of essential mental health staff and place graduate students in a position where they must choose between their education and financial support. The lawsuit warns that without these services, many students may turn to community mental health options, stretching already limited resources.

Connecticut Democrat Rep. Rosa DeLauro has voiced her disapproval of the cuts. Together with other federal lawmakers, she recently introduced a bill aimed at funding more mental health workers in schools.

Kate Dias, president of the Connecticut Education Association, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Cutting this funding is not only shortsighted — it’s reckless. Our kids depend on school-based mental health professionals now more than ever.”

As conversations around mental health in education gain traction, this lawsuit highlights the ongoing struggle for funding and support in schools. With student well-being at stake, the community’s response could shape future policies for mental health services in schools.



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