Maryland Attorney General Joins Multistate Effort to Protect Low-Income Student Support Programs

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of 21 other states and the District of Columbia in filing two legal briefs to support federal programs crucial for students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds. These programs, collectively known as TRIO, are facing significant funding cuts and grant denials by the U.S. Department of Education, prompting legal challenges. The coalition’s involvement aims to ensure continued access to higher education for disadvantaged students.

The legal action centers on lawsuits challenging the Department of Education’s recent decisions to discontinue funding for established TRIO grants and to reject new applications for Student Support Services (SSS) grants. These actions were reportedly justified by the Department under new federal policies that restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The TRIO programs have been in place for nearly six decades and provide vital services such as tutoring, counseling, and academic support to help students navigate the path to college and degree completion.

The lawsuits, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, argue that the Department of Education’s actions violate constitutional provisions and federal law, including the Administrative Procedure Act. One complaint specifically addresses the discontinuation of dozens of TRIO grants that were slated for funding through 2026. The second complaint contests the denial of new SSS grant applications. These applications, submitted under guidance from the previous administration that required descriptions of equity and accessibility efforts, were reportedly rejected after the retroactive application of new anti-DEI policies. The consequences of these funding decisions have already led to the closure of some long-standing programs at colleges and universities across the country, affecting students who depend on them.

Attorney General Brown emphasized the critical role these programs play, noting that last year TRIO provided assistance to over 12,500 low-income and first-generation students in Maryland. He stated that the decision to cut this funding threatens essential support for individuals seeking to improve their lives and could negatively impact Maryland’s economy by limiting opportunities for students who need them most.

The coalition of states, which also includes attorneys general from Nevada, Massachusetts, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaiʻi, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, argues that the abrupt loss of federal funding will have severe and lasting negative consequences. These impacts are expected to affect not only students but also educational institutions and state economies.

For Maryland residents, these legal actions are aimed at preserving access to higher education support systems that have a proven track record of helping students succeed. The continuation of TRIO programs means continued access to resources that can make college more attainable and lead to degree attainment for those who might otherwise face significant barriers. The potential economic benefits for the state also hinge on these programs, as they help cultivate a more educated and skilled workforce.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Attorney General.

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