As the Donald Trump administration froze funding for after-school programs and summer camps for children from low-income families, more than 20 states, including New York and New Jersey, have filed lawsuits demanding that support be restored.
According to the Associated Press, 24 states, led by New York, have filed lawsuits against the federal government, claiming that the Trump administration’s freeze on after-school programs and summer camps violates the Constitution and multiple federal laws.
Programs that have been cut off from education funding include the Boys and Girls Clubs for children and youth, as well as after-school programs and summer vacation programs at public schools. Programs run by organizations such as the YMCA and Save the Children are also at risk of closure.
The Trump administration suspects that these programs support illegal immigrant families or provide inclusive education for sexual minorities and has withheld funding until it can verify that the programs are consistent with the values pursued by President Trump, AP explained.
Since taking office, President Trump has been pushing for changes to campus policies and school education programs at major universities, saying he will eradicate the discourse on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).