Dear friend,

Schools should be safe spaces where all students, including Indigenous, Black, Latine, other students of color, queer and trans youth, and young activists are able to freely express themselves and access the resources they need to thrive. 

But the Trump-Vance Administration is stripping schools of the resources they need to serve these students. Earlier this year, Education Secretary Linda McMahon cancelled nearly $1 billion in mental health funding for schools created in the aftermath of the Uvalde school shooting. Now, the Department of Education is proposing two rules that would make schools that provide inclusive and affirming mental health resources to students ineligible for federal funding.

These proposed changes are a thinly veiled attempt to prevent trans students, students of color, and student activists from accessing quality mental health care in school. The changes also serve to stifle expressions of dissent against the Trump Administration.  

We need as many people as possible to show solidarity with trans youth, students of color, and student activists by submitting comments to oppose these two rules. 

• Submit a comment to protect inclusive student mental health programs.
• Submit a comment to protect inclusive hiring practices for school mental health professionals. 

Public comment ends on August 18, 2025. 

Thank you for taking action. 

In Solidarity,
Adaku Onyeka-Crawford 
Opportunity to Learn Program Director 

Advancement Project is a next-generation, multi-racial civil rights organization. Rooted in the great human rights struggles for equality and justice, we exist to fulfill America’s promise of a caring, inclusive and just democracy. We use innovative tools and strategies to strengthen social movements and achieve high impact policy change. Support our work today!

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