NC Challenges Trump Administration Over $50M Cuts to Rural Schools

The North Carolina Department of Justice has launched a legal challenge against the Trump administration over recent cuts to funding for rural schools. The federal government is accused of illegally reducing nearly $50 million in grants that were allocated to support education in low-income areas.

Details of the Funding Cuts

This month, the U.S. Department of Education notified states about reductions in grants tied to the Full-Service Community Schools program. Approved by Congress in 2023, the funding was intended for 18 school districts and 55 schools in North Carolina. Key beneficiaries included schools in Durham and Orange counties.

Impact on Education in North Carolina

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson emphasized that these cuts could severely disrupt educational programs. He expressed concerns that schools might have to suspend critical initiatives and contribute to layoffs during the academic year. Jackson stated, “Our kids deserve better,” criticizing the unexpected funding loss as unlawful and damaging.

Legal Action Against the Administration

The lawsuit is part of a broader strategy by Jackson, a Democrat, who has targeted the Trump administration in several legal actions regarding funding for North Carolina education. The education funding cuts were scheduled to take effect on Wednesday, but several lawsuits across the nation have put a hold on these initiatives.

The Constitutional Argument

Jackson’s office argues that the Education Department overstepped its authority. They contend that the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the exclusive right to direct federal spending, rather than federal agencies. This legal argument challenges the basis of the funding cuts initiated by the administration.

Context of the Funding Importance

The funding in question played a vital role during Hurricane Helene, assisting families in Western North Carolina with temporary housing solutions. Such uses underscore the significance of the grants for vulnerable communities.

Response from the Administration

In a letter explaining the cuts, an assistant secretary from the Education Department noted that the grant allocations were aligned with the previous administration’s policies and did not comply with current priorities. They asserted that the existing programs conflicted with a commitment to merit and fairness in education.

Previous Legal Challenges

This lawsuit is not an isolated incident. North Carolina was among 25 states that successfully sued the federal government in July over stalled education funding, resulting in the release of billions in federal support. North Carolina received $165 million to aid its schools from this resolution.

Ongoing Advocacy for Education Funding

• North Carolina Community Schools Coalition has appealed the cuts but faced setbacks.
• Jackson’s continued legal advocacy reflects a commitment to protect education funding.

As the legal battle unfolds, the focus remains on the broader implications for educational resources in rural and low-income areas impacted by federal funding decisions.