Mar 27 2025
The Trump administration has appealed to the Supreme Court to suspend a federal judge's order from Massachusetts that mandates the Department of Education to restore over $65 million in training grants aimed at addressing teacher shortages. These grants were canceled in February due to their funding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The lawsuit was initiated in March by eight states, including California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, New York, and Wisconsin. Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris characterized the case as part of a larger issue regarding the extent of a district court judge's power to compel federal government funding decisions.
On March 10, U.S. District Judge Myong Joun ordered the reinstatement of the grants, stating that failure to do so would severely impact numerous educational programs. The judge indicated that the government would simply need to disburse the funds appropriated by Congress.
While the United States Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit declined to freeze this order during the appeal, they agreed to expedite the appeal process. Additionally, a federal district court in Maryland has ordered the Department of Education to restore terminated grants in another case.
The administration criticized Judge Joun for issuing the temporary order without prior briefings and for extending it potentially for weeks without adequate authority. Harris urged the Supreme Court to intervene, arguing that federal courts are overstepping their bounds by ordering the Executive Branch to restore grants that have been lawfully terminated.
Harris also requested an administrative stay to hold Joun's order while the Supreme Court considers the government's appeal.
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