Magnet School Program funding must be restored

NATIONWIDE — THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION MUST IMMEDIATELY RESTORE about $47 million in Congressionally authorized grants for the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) that were revoked from New York City public schools, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez, D-07, and other NY Democrats in the House and Senate wrote in a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon. The NY Congressional delegation says that the decision, which the administration made earlier this year, is an unlawful and political misuse of federal education dollars, threatening critical academic programs for thousands of students.

MSAP provides federal grants to help school districts create and sustain specialized magnet schools that promote integration and offer rigorous, skills-based learning opportunities. Citing the schools’ achievements, Velázquez warned that rescinding the funding undermines the Department of Education’s core mission of expanding opportunity and would widen existing gaps for economically vulnerable students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, debate, performing arts and journalism.

A federal judge is now overseeing the ongoing dispute between the Trump administration and the city over the remaining funds, even though the two parties earlier arrived at a temporary agreement that allows access to $11 million in previously awarded funds.

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