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Lansing, MI – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is spearheading a legal challenge against the federal government over the abrupt halt of grant funding earmarked for school mental health programs. The lawsuit, filed alongside 15 other states, argues that the decision to cut these vital resources – approved in the wake of the devastating 2022 Uvalde school shooting – is both “illegal” and “irresponsible.”

The grants, administered through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), were designed to bolster mental health support for students across the nation. They aimed to provide schools with resources to hire counselors, psychologists, and social workers, implement mental health awareness programs, and train staff to identify and respond to students in crisis. The timing of the cuts – after these grants were already approved and schools were beginning to plan their implementation – has drawn widespread criticism.

“Our children are facing a mental health crisis, and the federal government’s actions are only exacerbating the problem,” stated Attorney General Nessel. “These grants represented a critical lifeline for schools struggling to meet the growing demand for mental health services. To pull the rug out from under them after they’ve already made plans and commitments is simply unacceptable and, we believe, a violation of federal law.”

The lawsuit alleges that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) acted arbitrarily and capriciously in rescinding the funding. The states argue that the HHS failed to provide adequate justification for the cuts and did not follow proper procedures for amending or terminating grant agreements. They contend that the decision was made without sufficient consideration of the potential harm to students and schools.

Why This Matters: The Growing Mental Health Crisis in Schools

The issue of school mental health has gained increasing prominence in recent years, fueled by rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide among young people. The COVID-19 pandemic further amplified these challenges, leaving many students struggling with social isolation, academic disruption, and emotional distress. Schools are often on the front lines of this crisis, but they lack the resources to adequately address the needs of their students.

The lawsuit highlights the critical role that federal funding plays in supporting school mental health initiatives. Without these resources, schools will continue to struggle to provide students with the mental health support they need to thrive. The states involved are hoping that the lawsuit will force the federal government to reconsider its decision and restore the funding.

Beyond Michigan: A National Effort

Michigan’s decision to join this lawsuit underscores the widespread concern over the federal funding cuts. The other states participating in the lawsuit include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington. This unified front demonstrates the seriousness with which these states view the issue and their commitment to protecting the mental health of their students.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for school mental health programs across the country. As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes will be on the courts to see whether they will uphold the states’ argument and ensure that students receive the mental health support they deserve.