California secures $4.9 billion in education funding after legal victory

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Friday that the U.S. Department of Education’s attempts to tie federal education funding to compliance with the Trump administration’s Title VI guidance have been permanently blocked.

In April 2025, the Department informed state and local education agencies that failure to adopt the administration’s interpretation could result in immediate loss of funds. California, along with other states, refused to comply, arguing that the guidance was legally incoherent and inconsistent with federal law.

Following a multi-state lawsuit co-led by California and a related court ruling, the Trump administration fully conceded to the states’ demands.

“This was never about fighting discrimination; it was about bullying states like California into abandoning lawful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives,” Bonta said. “But our children’s education is not a bargaining chip. With today’s agreement, we are closing the book on this fight once and for all.”

The $4.9 billion in federal funding supports low-income students, students with disabilities, foster youth, English learners, and helps schools recruit and retain teachers.

The lawsuit argued that the Department’s directive violated the Spending Clause, the Appropriations Clause, and the Administrative Procedures Act. A related ruling by the U.S. District Court for Maryland in the case American Federation of Teachers v. Department of Education had already struck down similar requirements, and the Trump administration later withdrew its appeal. Today’s agreement ensures California and other states receive the full relief sought.

Source: State of California - Departament of Justice