Maryland Removes Threat to Federal Education Funds
Maryland's Attorney General Anthony Brown has secured a commitment from the federal government that removes threats to millions of dollars in education funding for the state. The agreement reflects ongoing federal-state negotiations over education policy and funding compliance as regulatory deadlines approach.
- The core of the dispute involved a new federal requirement for state and local education agencies to certify compliance with a reinterpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. - Over $700 million in annual federal financial support for Maryland was protected by the agreement. - A significant portion of the threatened funds, more than $250 million, was designated for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). - Attorney General Brown, along with a coalition of 19 other attorneys general, filed a lawsuit on April 25, 2025, to challenge the federal government's attempt to terminate the funding. - The lawsuit argued that the U.S. Department of Education's actions violated the Spending Clause, the Appropriations Clause, the separation of powers, and the Administrative Procedure Act. - A separate but related lawsuit filed by the American Federation of Teachers in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland resulted in a victory that vacated the federal government's certification demand. - The commitment secured by Attorney General Brown ensures that the legal relief obtained in the American Federation of Teachers' lawsuit is applicable to schools in Maryland, preventing the withholding of funds based on the unlawful conditions. - In addition to IDEA funding, the agreement also protects financial support for students from low-income families, teacher training and development, and programs for non-native English speakers.
