The U.S. Department of Education has made the decision to stop funding approximately $1 billion in grants that were intended to support the training and recruitment of mental health professionals working in schools. This move comes as the grants awarded under the Biden administration were found to conflict with the priorities set by the Trump administration.
In a letter sent on April 29 by Murray Bessette from the Education Department’s office of planning, evaluation, and policy development, recipients of the grants were informed that the funding would end at the conclusion of their current budget period. The letter stated that the grants reflected the prior administration’s priorities and policy preferences, which were not in alignment with those of the current administration.
The decision to cut funding for the grants, which were authorized by Congress in the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, has been met with criticism. Kelly Vaillancourt Strobach, director of policy and advocacy for the National Association of School Psychologists, called it a “short-sighted, poor decision.”
Two grants, the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program and the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program, were affected by the notices. These grants supported 260 recipients in 49 states, aiding in the preparation of over 14,000 mental health professionals to work in K-12 schools.
Mary Wall, former deputy assistant secretary of K-12 education at the Education Department under President Joe Biden, expressed disappointment in the decision, stating that caring for students’ mental health directly impacts school safety. She emphasized the negative effects of taking away resources that were already in use by schools and families.
The Colorado Department of Education, which was awarded a five-year grant in October 2024 to recruit and retain mental health professionals, will now see the funding stop after December 31. Spokesperson Jeremy Meyer expressed deep disappointment in the decision, highlighting the urgent need to address students’ mental health needs.
The Education Department plans to re-envision and re-compete its mental health program funds to better support students’ behavioral health needs. However, concerns have been raised about the department’s capacity to issue new requests for proposals and make new awards, especially with nearly half of its staff being shed since January.
The decision to cut funding for these grants is part of a larger trend of the Education Department stopping grants or contracts that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Trump administration cited “race-based actions” as the reason for discontinuing the grants, claiming that the funding was being used for purposes unrelated to mental health.
Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, the Biden administration had placed a greater focus on youth mental health, particularly in response to the mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With students from low-income backgrounds, students of color, and students with disabilities being disproportionately affected by mental health struggles, the need for mental health professionals in schools remains critical. The decision to pull back funding for mental health resources in schools is causing concern among educators and mental health advocates. According to Duschesneau, this move could have a detrimental impact on school safety, as creating a safe school environment requires not only physical safety measures but also support for students’ mental health and emotional well-being.
It is widely acknowledged that a positive school climate and access to mental health resources are essential for fostering a sense of well-being and belonging among students. By cutting funding for these crucial services, the Trump administration may be undermining efforts to create a supportive and inclusive school environment.
Without adequate mental health resources, students who are struggling with mental health issues may not receive the help they need to cope with their challenges. This could lead to an increase in mental health crises, behavioral issues, and even potential safety concerns within the school community.
In order to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, it is imperative that schools have the necessary resources to support students’ mental health needs. By investing in mental health services and fostering a positive school climate, educators can help create a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally.
It is important for policymakers to prioritize the mental health of students and provide the necessary funding to support their well-being. By investing in mental health resources and creating a positive school climate, we can help ensure that all students have the support they need to succeed.
