After the U.S. Department of Education notified states it was cutting off access to grants and funding for K-12 students, Arizona's Kris Mayes joined a coalition of attorneys general to sue over the executive order.
The Department of Education initially determined the funds from the American Rescue Plan Act could be accessed until next year.
ARPA provided funds to manage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including three programs that helped direct resources toward unhoused and low-income students.
Mayes’ press release references these three programs, known as the Homeless Children and Youth, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief and Emergency Assistance to Nonpublic Schools.
“The Trump administration is engaged in a coordinated attack on students, families, and the entire education system,” Mayes said in a press release. “First, they try to dismantle the Department of Education, then they pull the rug out from under Arizona schools by cutting off funds for public and private schools alike."
The coalition is arguing the decision violates the Administrative Procedure Act, on grounds that the department reversed its initial decision to provide states with funds until next year.
The department has now terminated the access without an “explanation and contrary to Congress’ intent,” according to the lawsuit.
Mayes said the decision will hit rural communities in Arizona particularly hard, as well as schools that have relied on federal funding.
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