Trump’s freeze on education grants threatens Indiana programs

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Tens of millions of dollars in federal grants for Indiana education programs are being withheld during a review by the Trump administration.

The Trump administration froze more than $6 billion in federal education grants previously approved by Congress, as it reviews whether the funding supports programs are conflicting with President Donald Trump’s agenda.

“We’re not sure if this is even legal,” Anne Duff of the Indiana Coalition for Public Education (ICPE) told News 8 in an interview. 

According to ICPE, the White House is withholding more than $107 million from Indiana, which is meant to support programs like summer school, English language learning, and teacher training. 

“If we do not receive the funding, these programs could all not happen,” Duff said. 

The grants were originally planned to arrive by July 1. On June 30, Congress was warned the Department of Education would not release the money. 

A Trump official has claimed some programs using the grants promote “a radical leftwing agenda,” though Duff pushed back on the idea of Indiana educators pushing ideology. 

“We teach our students what is in our curriculum, what the state supports,” Duff said.

It’s not clear how long the federal review will last. Duff said in the meantime, Indiana school corporations are keeping in contact with staff and lawmakers. The cuts came so quickly, Duff said, schools still aren’t sure how budgets will be affected. 

“This is just an egregious attack on public education,” Duff said. 

Funding being withheld from Indiana public schools (via ICPE):

• Title I-C for migrant education: $2.5 million.
• Title II-A for educator professional development: $41.2 million.
• Title III-A for English-learner services: $10.1 million.
• Title IV-A for academic enrichment: $20.7 million.
• Title IV-B for before- and after-school programs: $19.9 million.
• Adult Education basic grants for literacy & general instruction: $12.0 million.
• Adult Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education grants: $0.75 million.

About The Author

See author's posts