Jackson, along with attorneys general and governors from 24 other states nationwide, sued in federal court to challenge a move by the executive branch to withhold $6.8 billion in congressionally approved federal funding for K-12 schools.
The suit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court of Rhode Island, argued that the decision to freeze these funds resulted in “chaos” for schools across the country.
Jackson said almost 1,000 educators in North Carolina would lose their jobs, with the cuts making up nearly 10% of federal educational funding intended for the state.
“Public schools across North Carolina, especially in rural areas, need this money to keep teachers in the classroom and keep kids safe while they learn,” Jackson said in a released statement. “It’s unlawful and unconstitutional for the Department of Education to withhold money that Congress has appropriated. I’m going to court to get this money for our students, our schools, and North Carolina families.”
“Today, North Carolina is taking action to unfreeze funding for North Carolina public schools that was appropriated by Congress,” North Carolina Governor Josh Stein said. “Without these funds, nearly 1,000 teachers will have their jobs taken from them. The money also provides after-school programs, supports children learning English, and helps adults learn how to read.
“Schools are counting on these funds; without them, they will be left scrambling as kids return to classrooms,” Stein added. “I thank Attorney General Jackson for bringing his action and call on the U.S. Department of Education to release the funds that North Carolina is owed.”
North Carolina leaders said the federal grant funding at stake in this lawsuit supports state school budgets, teacher salaries, before and after-school programs for students, community learning centers and teacher development programs, among others.
“While the N.C. Department of Public Instruction respects the federal administration’s right to review programs, I must emphasize that our legal obligations to serve these students remain unchanged, and the timing creates significant and unnecessary challenges for schools, community organizations, and most importantly, the children who depend on these services,” North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice (Mo) Green said in a statement. “I support efforts, including this nationwide lawsuit, to resolve this situation quickly and ensure that North Carolina students receive the support they need and deserve and that our federal government agreed to provide them.”
The states that united in Monday’s legal action included the following: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.
This is a developing story. Check later for updates.
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