Massachusetts AG sues Department of Education over mental health grant cuts

July 13, 2026 - 01:14

Attorney General Andrea Campbell has taken legal action against the U.S. Department of Education, seeking to block the agency from cutting funding for a school-based mental health program that was approved by Congress. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, argues that the department lacks the authority to unilaterally terminate grants that were already allocated to support student mental health services across the state.

The dispute centers on grants tied to a program designed to expand access to mental health care in schools, including hiring counselors and social workers. According to the lawsuit, the Department of Education moved to end the funding without proper notice or justification, leaving districts scrambling to fill gaps in services. Campbell's office contends that the cuts violate federal law and could harm thousands of students who rely on these resources.

The legal challenge comes amid a broader national debate over mental health support for young people. Massachusetts has invested heavily in school-based programs in recent years, citing rising rates of anxiety and depression among students. The attorney general stated that the state will not stand by while the federal government undermines bipartisan efforts to address this crisis. A hearing on the case is expected in the coming weeks.