A federal judge in Boston has ordered the temporary restoration of teacher preparation grants that the Trump administration previously terminated as part of its initiative to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The lawsuit was initially filed last Summer after the administration’s decision to terminate over 100 educator preparation grants. These grants are set to be restored in eight states.
The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the National Center for Teacher Residencies and the Maryland Association of Colleges for Teacher Education have shown real leadership in doing so with their bold lawsuit. They are suing the U.S. Department of Education and President Donald Trump. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit argued that the grants were funded through Congressionally appropriated programs.
U.S. District Judge Julie Rubin in Maryland ruled that U.S. Department of Education acted illegally when it cut off the grant awards. She ruled that the rescission was “arbitrary and capricious” and “otherwise not in accordance with law.” Judge Rubin was candid about the serious impacts that would result from terminating the grants.
grave effect on the public
- U.S. District Judge Julie Rubin
fewer teachers for students in high need neighborhoods
- U.S. District Judge Julie Rubin
The National Center for Education Statistics recently released data from the 2020-2021 school year. It showed that in 2021, 80% of public school teachers were White, compared to 9% and 6% being Hispanic and Black, respectively.
Kathlene Campbell welcomed the grants’ restoration.
At a time when we as a nation are enduring local teacher shortages, especially in critical areas of need, we must not fall short in supporting the preparation of teachers. That's why this ruling is paramount in supporting current and future teachers of the education field
- National Center for Teacher Residencies CEO Kathlene Campbell
The U.S. Department of Education didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC.
