Overview
- California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced an agreement that permanently blocks conditions on $4.9 billion in annual federal education aid to the state.
- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said a similar agreement protects nearly $1.4 billion a year for Illinois, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison reported more than $530 million secured for Minnesota.
- A coalition of 19 states and the District of Columbia joined the resolution, which the administration accepted after setbacks in related litigation.
- The settlements follow AFT v. Department of Education, in which a Maryland federal court vacated the April 3, 2025 certification requirement, and the administration withdrew its appeal in January.
- States had sued after the department warned funds could be withheld unless agencies affirmed a new Title VI interpretation, arguing violations of spending and administrative law, and the protected aid supports services for low-income students, special education, English learners, teacher training, and supports for foster and unhoused students.