Trump Administration Unfreezes Over $5B in School Grant Funds After Nearly a Monthlong Block.

After a funding freeze that triggered lawsuits and bipartisan outrage, the money locked up for schools is finally flowing again.

On July 25, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) confirmed the release of more than $5 billion in K–12 grant funding that had been frozen since July 1. The aid covers programs for English learners, teacher training, migrant education, and academic enrichment, long stalled due to a so-called “programmatic review” to align spending with administration priorities ([K12Dive](K-12 Dive); [Reuters](Reuters)).

📌 What Changed

⚖️ Funding Holds Trigger Backlash

Originally, roughly $6.8 billion in grants were withheld, creating chaos for school districts that depended on them for staffing, curriculum, and programs. Earlier in July, 24 states plus D.C. and multiple school systems sued the administration over what they called an unlawful impoundment of legally approved funds ([Washington Post](The Washington Post)).

🔓 Funds Will Flow Starting Week of July 28

After completing its review, OMB mandated that funds begin dispersing the week of July 28, including $1.3 billion previously unblocked and the rest of the allocation for the 2025 school year. The programs include Title I‑C (migrant education), Title II‑A (professional development), Title III‑A (English learners), and Title IV‑A (academic enrichment), as well as adult literacy and civics education grants ([Education Week](Education Week); [K12Dive](K-12 Dive)).

🛑 “Guardrails” Now Attached

The administration stated the funds will be released with new “guardrails” to ensure compliance with Trump’s executive orders—implicitly targeting what it terms radical or woke agendas. Details remain vague, but critics worry schools will face new ideological strings attached to spending ([Education Week](Education Week; [Reuters](Reuters).

⚖️ Political & Legal Fallout

• Bipartisan Pressure Paid Off: Fifteen Republican senators—many from rural states—joined Democrats in demanding the release. Rep. Don Bacon even touted success publicly on X. Superintendents warned of staff cuts and program disruptions if the freeze continued ([Education Week](Education Week).

• Legal Defeat Loomed: Courts had already blocked the broader OMB pause on thousands of federal grants, including these education programs, citing executive overreach and violation of the Impoundment Control Act ([Wikipedia grant pause](en.wikipedia.org)). The funding freeze could have triggered a constitutional showdown over Congress's power of the purse.

🔍 SMH Takeaway: Control vs. Chaos in Education Funding

What began as a political maneuver to reshape federal spending became a national education crisis until lawyers, legislators, and school leaders forced a reversal. The administration’s delay reveals how executive power can weaponize appropriated funds—but also how institutional resistance can hold it in check.

The question now: will these new “guardrails” stifle programming or simply enforce accountability? And will future funding cycles see the same brinkmanship—or be smoother once the system retools for ideological conformity?

Parents, educators, and students can finally breathe again—but the real story is how far the executive branch can—or should—go in redirecting public money.

😐🇺🇸 #SMHAmerica #SchoolFundingFreeze

• Reuters
• The Washington Post

 Florida Teacher Arrested After She Gave Hickeys To A 12 Year Old Middle School Student

 Columbia University President Steps Down Amid Controversy Over Israel-Gaza Protests

Minouche Shafik, Columbia University’s President, has resigned, marking the end of a brief and contentious tenure characterized by significant unrest and criticism over her management of pro-Palestinian protests on campus earlier this year.

Shafik’s decision to bring New York police onto campus twice during the protests—once to dismantle a Gaza solidarity encampment and again to clear students occupying a building—sparked widespread backlash. In May, a group of faculty expressed a vote of no confidence in her leadership, accusing her of infringing on students' rights and academic freedom.

In an email to the Columbia community on Wednesday night, Shafik announced her immediate resignation, citing the challenges of navigating a deeply divided campus environment. She noted that recent events had taken a heavy toll on her family, as well as the broader community.

Reflecting on her decision, Shafik wrote, “I have concluded that stepping aside at this juncture is the best way for Columbia to move forward in addressing the challenges ahead.”

The Board of Trustees, in a separate communication, stated that they had “reluctantly” accepted Shafik’s resignation and named Katrina Armstrong, the CEO of Columbia’s Irving Medical Center, as the interim president. The trustees expressed confidence in Armstrong’s ability to lead the university through this transitional period.

Shafik, an economist originally from Egypt, was the first woman to serve as Columbia’s president since its founding. Her tenure, however, quickly became fraught with difficulties. Just a few months into her presidency, the October 7 Hamas attack ignited the Israel-Gaza conflict, leading to widespread protests on Columbia’s campus, mirroring similar demonstrations across the country.

Columbia’s handling of these protests drew intense scrutiny. Congress launched an investigation into the university’s alleged failure to protect Jewish students, compelling Shafik to testify before a House committee on issues related to antisemitism. The U.S. Department of Education also initiated an inquiry into claims of both Islamophobia and antisemitism on campus.

The situation further escalated when three Columbia deans resigned earlier this month after Shafik reprimanded them for sending text messages containing what was described as “ancient antisemitic tropes” during an event focused on Jewish life.

Shafik’s departure marks the third resignation of an Ivy League president since the House Education and Workforce Committee began its hearings on university leaders’ responses to campus pro-Palestinian protests. These hearings saw intense questioning of university policies, rule enforcement, and public statements.

At Columbia, Shafik faced a difficult balancing act: Some students and faculty urged her to protect protesters’ rights to free expression, citing Columbia’s long-standing tradition of student activism, from Vietnam War protests to more recent movements like divestment from private prisons. After Shafik’s initial call for police intervention, 70 students and faculty members signed an open letter accusing her of “violating our community’s values.”

On the other side, Republican lawmakers pressured Shafik to crack down on what they described as hateful and hostile protests against Jewish students. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) criticized Shafik in a May letter, accusing her of allowing the campus to be overrun by “mob rule” and appeasing “antisemitic radicals.” Following Shafik’s resignation, Stefanik issued a statement celebrating the news, calling her presidency “untenable.”

Jelani Cobb, Dean of Columbia’s Journalism School, acknowledged the extraordinary challenges Shafik faced, describing this past year as one of the most tumultuous in the university’s recent history. Cobb noted that Armstrong, the interim president, is highly regarded within the Columbia community for her straightforward leadership style.

Jeanine D’Armiento, a professor at Columbia’s medical school and chair of the University Senate’s executive committee, expressed confidence in the university’s future, saying, “We were preparing all summer collaboratively, and she [Shafik] is just one individual. We’re looking forward to the semester and getting back to the academic work.”

As news of Shafik’s resignation spread, reactions among students were mixed. Cameron Jones, a junior and lead organizer with Jewish Voice for Peace, viewed the resignation as a victory for student activism and vowed to continue advocating for the Palestinian cause.

Conversely, Elisha Baker, a co-chair of the pro-Israel group Aryeh, hopes Columbia’s new leadership will enforce stricter regulations on campus protests, potentially including rules on where and when demonstrations can occur and policies to prevent protesters from masking their identities.

As Columbia prepares for the upcoming academic year, the university community remains in a state of reflection and anticipation, with many hoping for a smoother path forward under new leadership.

Scholarship Withdrawn from Honor Student Over Homecoming 'Twerking' Video: Describes Feeling Like Life Was Over 

A Louisiana high school senior, Kaylee Timonet, faced the withdrawal of a scholarship endorsement and removal from her position as student government association president after a video of her dancing at a homecoming after-party surfaced on social media. Despite her 4.2 GPA, the video, showing Timonet dancing behind a friend engaged in twerking, led to severe consequences. The private event at Livingston Parish Country Club on Sept. 30 was filmed by the party's DJ, who later posted the video on social media. Timonet's mother was present at the gathering.

The school's principal, Jason St. Pierre, called Timonet into the front office, where she was shown the video and criticized for her actions. She was allegedly told to feel ashamed and that her conduct did not align with "God's ideals," leaving her distraught and in tears. St. Pierre, during the meeting, withdrew Timonet's application for a scholarship, which is awarded to only two students annually.

Timonet, describing the incident as innocent fun, expressed her mortification, saying, "All I was doing was having innocent fun. I was mortified." Her mother, Rachel Timonet, had a subsequent meeting with the principal and voiced her concerns about being excluded from the initial meeting with her minor daughter. Rachel criticized the perceived unfairness of the punishment, pointing out that other students in the video faced no consequences. She also objected to St. Pierre allegedly discussing her daughter's religious faith in a public school setting.

The community rallied behind Kaylee Timonet, creating T-shirts with slogans like "Let the Girl Dance" and "I stand with Kaylee Timonet." The support, visible across social media, has been crucial in helping Timonet cope with the humiliating incident. Despite the controversy, she appreciates the backing she has received, stating, "Seeing that people were supporting me no matter what and seeing that my accomplishments were still noticed means the world."

Walker, the town where Timonet resides, has a population of approximately 6,100 and is situated about 22 miles from Baton Rouge.

Masked Teens Board School Bus, Attempt to Shoot 14-Year-Old Boy's Head, and Assault Him After Gun Malfunctions 

Three masked teenagers boarded a Maryland school bus on Monday afternoon, singling out a 14-year-old boy who was the sole remaining student on the bus, according to WJLA.

3 Maryland Teens Jump On School Bus And Tried To Kill Student; Despite Shooting 3 Times, Gun Failed

One of the masked individuals pointed a gun at the boy and attempted to fire three times. Remarkably, the gun failed to discharge on all three attempts, and the police later discovered three live rounds on the Prince George's County bus.

Martin Diggs, the head of the bus drivers' union, characterized the incident as a blatant attempted murder, stating, "They pulled the trigger three times, but for some reason, by the grace of God, the gun didn't go off and bullets flew out of the gun."

The attack occurred late Monday afternoon on a school bus transporting students from the Prince George's County Alternative Middle School in Suitland. Multiple sources have confirmed that the bus's onboard video system recorded the entire attack, including a close-range attempt to shoot the middle school student in the head. When the gun failed to fire after three attempts, the assailants physically assaulted the 14-year-old boy. Once the attackers fled, the bus driver moved the vehicle to a secure location.

"We are outraged as a district. Horrified that this incident did occur," expressed Charoscar Coleman, Associate Superintendent of Prince George's County Public Schools. Coleman urged students, faculty, families, and staff to remain vigilant and report any brewing problems, emphasizing the priority of maintaining a safe environment for students during school hours and transportation.

The head of the drivers' union called for increased security measures, stating that the driver and aide feared for their lives. The Prince George's County Police Department is actively seeking the attackers. WJLA has requested the school bus video, but release has been denied at this time. The extent of the 14-year-old victim's injuries has not been disclosed.

In Other SMH America News

Texas Teacher Dismissed After Transforming Middle School Classroom Into Student 'Fight Ring' 

A Texas substitute teacher is facing investigation and immediate termination after allegedly transforming her classroom into a fighting arena, urging students as young as 12 to engage in physical altercations.

Texas Teacher Charged After Turning Classroom Into A Fighting Ring

Natally Garcia, 24, was swiftly dismissed from her position at Kimbrough Middle School in Mesquite on Wednesday, following the incident captured in shocking footage. Desks were arranged in a circular pattern to create a makeshift "fight ring," where 12- and 13-year-old students participated in physical confrontations, resulting in some sustaining injuries.

The Mesquite Independent School District (ISD) stated, "Her actions are appalling and intolerable." The district disclosed that Garcia not only established rules for the fights but also directed a student to keep watch at the door during the incidents.

Video evidence reveals Garcia instructing the class that she does not want the activities documented, threatening to confiscate cell phones if students were recording. At least four students can be seen engaged in fights, with Garcia audibly setting a timer for the bouts.

Beatriz Martinez, whose daughter recorded the incident, expressed her shock, stating, "I was devastated. I was like, I couldn’t watch the full video. I had to stop it multiple times because I didn’t think it was real. I was like, this must be a prank. This is not real."

Martinez revealed that her daughter's class had experienced Garcia's teaching twice before without incident. Although her daughter was pushed to participate in the impromptu fight club, the class concluded before the situation escalated.

Mesquite ISD disclosed that Garcia was hired on March 6 but was promptly fired after the incident, with no eligibility for rehire. The district's investigation revealed that the substitute teacher actively encouraged students to fight, established rules for the brawls, and assigned a student to monitor the classroom door during the altercations. The school district expressed deep concern over the behavior of an individual entrusted with student supervision and pledged to address the distress felt by the families of the affected students.

In Other SMH America News

Unbelievable! Sick Teacher 'Seasoned' Cupcakes With Husband's Sperm & Distributed It To Students.

Georgia substitute teacher arrested after she was caught masturbating in class

A second-grade substitute teacher from Georgia has been arrested for allegedly engaging in masturbation in front of her class during school hours. Amelia Ressler, a 30-year-old from Carrollton, is said to have filmed herself performing the act while inside the classroom at Mt. Zion Elementary School. According to authorities, the incident is considered "disturbing" as it occurred in front of a classroom full of kids who could have witnessed the act.  

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office was alerted after receiving a tip about a video circulating in the community, which showed Ressler in the act. After obtaining video evidence, Ressler was arrested and charged with 19 counts of child molestation. The sheriff's office has expressed appreciation for Carroll County Schools' commitment to student safety and will continue to collaborate with them throughout the investigation.

Critical Race Theory: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a theoretical framework that explores the relationship between race, power, and law in the United States. The theory is rooted in critical legal studies and emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a response to the limitations of traditional civil rights approaches to combating racism.

CRT argues that racism is not just an individual phenomenon, but is instead deeply embedded in social structures and institutions. The theory asserts that racism is perpetuated through the maintenance of power structures that advantage some racial groups over others.

Central to CRT is the concept of "white privilege," which refers to the unearned advantages and benefits that accrue to white people simply because of their racial identity. This privilege is said to be perpetuated through a variety of mechanisms, including cultural norms, institutional practices, and legal systems.

Critics of CRT argue that the theory is divisive and promotes a view of society that is excessively focused on race. They argue that the theory promotes a victim mentality and undermines individual responsibility by casting people as victims of systemic racism.

Proponents of CRT, on the other hand, argue that the theory is necessary to understand and combat the pervasive effects of racism in society. They argue that the theory is not anti-white, but is instead focused on understanding how race operates as a system of power.

Recently, CRT has become a controversial topic, with many states seeking to ban its teaching in public schools. Supporters of these bans argue that CRT is a divisive and politically motivated ideology that promotes a distorted view of American history. Critics, however, argue that these bans are an attempt to suppress uncomfortable truths about the history of racism in the United States.

In conclusion, CRT is a theoretical framework that seeks to understand how race operates as a system of power in the United States. While controversial, the theory has played an important role in advancing our understanding of systemic racism and its effects. Whether it will continue to be taught in public schools remains to be seen, but the debate around the theory is sure to continue for some time to come.

Parents Getting Violent with Teachers over Mask Mandates.

A man in Florida was arrested on Wednesday after allegedly assaulting a student who confronted him about protesting the school district’s mask mandate, marking yet another violent clash over face coverings in schools.

Dan Bauman, the father of a sophomore at Fort Lauderdale High School who had been turned away from school for refusing to wear a face covering, was approached by a student who attempted to take his phone as he was recording a video, telling him she’d “had enough,” according to CBS Miami.

Bauman responded by shoving the student and then twisting her arm “in an aggressive manner,” resulting in his arrest on charges of aggravated child abuse. Just before his arrest, Bauman argued that the mask mandate was illegal, claiming that face masks do “more harm than good,” a view rejected by the vast majority of experts.