US appeals court denies Trump administration's attempt to stop funding for mental health workers in schools

SAN FRANCISCO A federal appeals court on Thursday denied the Trump administrations attempt to block the release of millions of dollars in grants aimed at addressing the shortage of mental health professionals in schools.

The program, established by Congress following the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, provides funding for schools to hire counselors, psychologists, and social workers, with a focus on rural and underserved communities.

The Trump administration opposed certain aspects of the grant program, particularly those involving race-related initiatives, claiming they were detrimental to students and signaling that recipients would lose funding after December 2025.

In October, U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson ruled that the administrations effort to cancel the grants was arbitrary and lacked justification.

The Department of Education, led by Secretary Linda McMahon, sought an emergency stay, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected this request, stating the government had not demonstrated a strong likelihood of success or that irreparable harm would occur without the stay.

Originally awarded under President Joe Bidens administration, the grants prioritized applicants who proposed increasing the number of counselors from diverse backgrounds or serving directly the school districts community.

After the October ruling, the Trump administration criticized the grants as promoting divisive ideologies based on race and sex.

Judge Evansons decision affects certain grantees in 16 Democratic-led states. In California, for instance, Madera County schools will regain approximately $3.8 million, while Marin County schools will receive $8 million.

Author: Ava Mitchell