Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, contesting the termination of grant funding for K-12 teacher preparation programs. This legal action is spearheaded by a multistate coalition in response to letters received on February 7 that purportedly terminated grants valued at over $148 million. These funds were intended to alleviate California's teacher shortage by supporting programs that create a pipeline for educators in rural and urban areas, particularly in subjects like math and science.

Attorney General Bonta stated, "The Trump Administration is pursuing an anti-education agenda that would yank teachers out of schools and prevent new teachers-in-training who are close to being ready to serve our students from filling empty classrooms." He emphasized the critical need for these programs amidst nationwide teacher shortages.

California State University Chancellor Mildred García highlighted the potential impact on students and school districts due to the elimination of funding. "The elimination of funding to the Teacher Quality Partnership grants awarded to universities in the California State University system will cause widespread and irreparable harm," she said.

In 2024, there were over 400,000 vacant or uncertified teaching positions across the U.S., affecting class sizes and course availability. Congress had allocated funds through programs like Teacher Quality Partnership to address such shortages. However, beginning February 7, 2025, these grants were terminated by the Department of Education with immediate effect.

Several institutions across California have been impacted:

- **California State University, Los Angeles**: A $7.5 million grant aimed at training community-centered teachers was terminated.

- **Chico State**: Two grants totaling $10.9 million were cut, affecting teacher residency programs designed for high-needs rural districts.

- **Cal Poly San Luis Obispo**: Two grants amounting to $6.9 million were ended, impacting bilingual education and special education training.

- **University of California, Los Angeles**: An $8 million grant focused on middle school teacher recruitment was also terminated.

These terminations could lead to layoffs or reduced hours for university staff and diminish support for aspiring teachers. The lawsuit led by Attorney General Bonta includes support from Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell and New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, along with attorneys general from Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, New York, and Wisconsin.