OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The state has struck a deal with the Trump administration to protect over a billion dollars in K-12 funding.
State Attorney General Nick Brown says he and a coalition of 18 other attorneys general secured an agreement with the Department of Education last week.
It will safeguard roughly $1.4 billion in equal access to education funding for students from low-income families, English learners, children with disabilities and other students across Washington.
“The Department of Education treated our children’s futures as pawns in their war on representation and inclusion,” Brown said. “I’m gratified that we’ve reached an agreement that protects these critical supports for kids so they can reach their full potential in school.”
The agreement follows a warning from the department last spring that federal funds would hinge on states’ compliance with the administration’s stance on DEI practices.
19 states, including Washington, refused to comply and responded by suing the department.
A separate case in federal court later struck down the department’s ultimatum.
This latest agreement applies that court victory to Washington schools and prevents the department from withholding any money under those conditions.
