• The Trump administration canceled $1 billion in federal grants for school mental health programs, citing concerns about DEI priorities and potential violations of federal civil rights law.
• The grants, authorized under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022 following the Uvalde school shooting, aimed to increase mental health support for students by hiring more professionals and expanding services.
• The decision has drawn criticism from Democrats and school leaders who argue it undermines student well-being, while conservatives praise it as ending a 'slush fund' for activists.

The Trump administration has canceled $1 billion in federal grants intended for school-based mental health services across the United States. This decision, impacting numerous school districts that were using the funds to hire mental health professionals and expand services, stems from the administration's belief that the grants prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives over evidence-based mental health practices. The grants were initially authorized by Congress in 2022 under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in response to the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting. The cancellation has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it harms student well-being and supporters claiming the funds were misused to promote left-wing racialism.

• What: The Trump administration is canceling $1 billion in federal grants for school-based mental health services, claiming the programs prioritize DEI initiatives over effective mental health support.
• Who: The key actors are the Trump administration, the U.S. Department of Education, school districts across the country, Democratic politicians, Republican politicians, conservative activists, and students.
• When: The decision to cancel the grants was made in late April/early May 2025, with funding being cut off at the end of the year. The grants were authorized in 2022 under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
• Where: The impact is nationwide, affecting school districts in nearly every state. Specific examples are given for Wake County (NC), Corbett (OR) and Wisconsin.

The Trump administration's decision to cancel these grants represents a significant shift in federal education policy, prioritizing concerns about DEI over mental health support for students. This move could have far-reaching consequences, particularly in underserved communities that rely heavily on federal funding to provide mental health services. The administration's argument that the grants are being used to promote 'race-based actions' is disputed by many, who argue that DEI initiatives are essential for providing culturally competent care and addressing systemic inequities. The potential impact on student well-being is a major concern, as schools may struggle to maintain existing mental health services without this funding. The decision also raises questions about the future of federal support for mental health in schools and the role of DEI in education policy.

This is a direct attack on the safety and well-being of America’s children — a repugnant act of moral vandalism that will endanger millions of lives.

Recipients used the funding to implement race-based actions like recruiting quotas in ways that have nothing to do with mental health and could hurt the very students the grants are supposed to help. We owe it to American families to ensure that tax-payer dollars are supporting evidence-based practices that are truly focused on improving students' mental health.

The Department of Education has terminated $1 billion in grants that were intended to support ‘school-based mental health programs,’ but were being used to advance left-wing racialism and discrimination. No more slush fund for activists under the guise of mental health.

These funds ― which Wisconsin used to make meaningful change for our schools ― were helping districts and our higher education partners develop new mental health professionals, providing a career opportunity for our current high schoolers. This action takes resources away from Wisconsin and disrupts the success efforts we’ve made to ensure qualified individuals are serving our kids.

To be able to provide those [mental health] services and then have it ripped away for something that is completely out of our control, it's horrible. I feel for our students more than anything because they're not gonna get the services that they need.

The cancellation of $1 billion in federal grants for school mental health services by the Trump administration, framed as a rejection of DEI priorities and a return to merit-based practices, has ignited a nationwide debate over the role of schools in addressing the escalating youth mental health crisis. Critics, including educators and mental health advocates, argue the decision undermines crucial support systems, particularly for vulnerable students who rely on school-based services due to limited access elsewhere. The cuts, impacting over 260 recipients across 49 states, jeopardize the employment of mental health professionals and the continuation of vital programs, potentially reversing progress made since the bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022. While the administration aims to "re-envision" mental health support, concerns remain about the immediate impact on students and the capacity of schools to bridge the funding gap through alternative sources such as state and local grants, community partnerships, or Medicaid. As districts grapple with budget constraints and a growing need for mental health services, the long-term consequences of this decision on student well-being and school safety remain a significant concern.