Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has co-led a coalition of 19 attorneys general in an agreement with the Trump Administration that preserves federal funding for state and local education agencies. The agreement, announced yesterday, ensures continued funding for education programs, including those related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).
As per the Office of the Attorney General release, the agreement follows a dispute that began on April 3, 2025, when the U.S. Department of Education required state and local education agencies to certify compliance with a new interpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 related to DEIA programs. Noncompliance risked the loss of federal education funding. Massachusetts and other states declined to certify, stating the interpretation lacked legal basis.
On April 25, 2025, Attorney General Campbell and a multistate coalition filed a lawsuit challenging the Department of Education’s action. The lawsuit alleged violations of the Spending Clause, the Appropriations Clause, the separation of powers, and the Administrative Procedure Act.
Related litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, American Federation of Teachers et al. v. United States Department of Education, resulted in a ruling that vacated the federal funding threat. After the Administration dismissed its appeal, a final agreement was reached extending the relief to schools in Massachusetts.
The agreement protects approximately $575.2 million in annual federal education funding for the Commonwealth. The funding supports programs for low-income students, teacher training, English language learners, and services for vulnerable children.
The coalition includes Massachusetts, California, New York, and 17 other states. The agreement ensures continued federal support for public education programs statewide.
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