Case: State of Washington v. United States Department of Education

2:25-cv-01228 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

Filed Date: June 30, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

Several lawsuits have been brought challenging the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This case is one; the others can be found here. This suit was brought to challenge the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to discontinue mental health funding to elementary and secondary schools created by Congress in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting (the “Non-Continuation Decision”). On June 30, 2025, several states (Washington, California, Colorado, Conne…

Several lawsuits have been brought challenging the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This case is one; the others can be found here.

This suit was brought to challenge the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to discontinue mental health funding to elementary and secondary schools created by Congress in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting (the “Non-Continuation Decision”). On June 30, 2025, several states (Washington, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin) filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington against the U.S. Department of Education and its Secretary. The case was assigned to Judge Kymberly K. Evanson.

Around April 29, 2025, the Department notified Plaintiffs that it would discontinue its Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program (MHSP) and its School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program (SBMH) for schools within their jurisdictions because the grants conflicted with the Trump Administration’s priorities of “merit, fairness, and excellence in education.” Plaintiffs challenged the Non-Continuation Decision, alleging that the Department violated the Administrative Procedure Act, the Spending Clause, Separation of Powers, and acted ultra vires by discontinuing the grants not in accordance with established guidelines and criteria to do so. They sought injunctive relief barring implementation of the Non-Continuation Decision and “requiring the Department to make a new continuation award decision prior to the next budget period without considering performance issues–if any–caused by the Department’s Non-Continuation Decision and its disruptive effects”; declaratory relief under the Declaratory Judgment Act; and attorneys’ costs and fees.

On July 8, 2025, Plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, requesting the court “issue an order rescinding the unlawful Non-Continuation Decision and enjoining Defendants from discontinuing Program grants based on new priorities.” After briefing and a hearing on the motion for preliminary injunction, but before the court ruled on the motion, Defendants filed a motion to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and for failure to state a claim on September 5, 2025. They argued that because the State-Plaintiffs themselves were not themselves the recipients of the grants, they lacked standing and legal authority to bring this suit. Further, because the suit involved contractual rights with the federal government, they argued the proper venue for the suit was the U.S. Court of Federal Claims under the Tucker Act.

The Court held oral arguments on Defendants’ motion to dismiss for October 9, 2025, and denied Defendants’ motion to stay the hearing in light of the government shutdown because of the Defendants’ “boilerplate request” and the “time-sensitive” relief request by the Plaintiffs. 2025 WL 2841595.

On October 21, 2025, the court issued an order denying Defendants’ motion to dismiss. 2025 WL 2966255. The court held that the plaintiff-states did have standing on behalf of their public education institutions, and also faced fiscal harm from indirect effects of funding cuts to private education institutions. It also found that the plaintiffs’ claims did not sound in contract, and so the Tucker Act did not apply to the subject matter jurisdiction issue. Finally, the court held that the plaintiff-states adequately stated a claim because the Non-Continuation Decision is reviewable under the APA.

Shortly after, on October 27, 2025, the court granted the State-plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction as to most of the grantees in the record. 2025 WL 3004675. The court found the plaintiffs are likely to succeed on at least the merits of their APA claim that the Non-Continuation Decision was arbitrary and capricious because it was unexplained and conclusory, and the Department did not consider reliance interests of the grantees. However, the Court did limit the scope of relief to grants documented in Plaintiff States other than Nevada because no grantee representatives in Nevada submitted declarations explaining “how the discontinuation decisions are already impacting Plaintiff States’ students, prospective school psychologists, and community partnerships,” unlike the other Plaintiff States which did do so. As such, the Department was enjoined from implementing or enforcing the Non-Continuation Decision for grantees in all of the Plaintiff States, except for Nevada. The court ordered the preliminary injunction to stay in effect pending further orders from the court.

On November 10, 2025, Plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment. Two days later, on November 12, Defendants filed a notice of appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for Ninth Circuit of the October 27, 2025, preliminary injunction. Oral argument was scheduled for December 2, 2025.

On December 4, the Ninth Circuit denied the Department's request for a stay of the PI. 2025 WL 3486895. The court found that the Department had not made a strong showing that Plaintiff States’ claims fall within the Tucker Act’s scope because the States are not entitled continued funding unless the Secretary of Education affirmatively decides to continue their grants. This places their claims within the APA rather than the Tucker Act, which does not require the case to be heard in the Court of Federal Claims, as the Department argues. The court also found the Department hadn't made a strong showing that the discontinuation decisions are committed to agency discretion and are therefore unreviewable under the APA, and that the Department would not face irreparable injury because the PI doesn't require any disbursement of funds.

On December 19, 2025, the District Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for partial summary judgment, finding that the Plaintiff States were entitled to judgment as a matter of law on their APA claims. 2025 WL 3690779. The court determined that the defendants acted arbitrarily and capriciously by abruptly applying new, unpublished political priorities to cancel existing multi-year funding. According to the decision, federal officials failed to provide individualized reasoning for these cancellations or consider the reliance interests of states that had already built programs around this support. The court found the defendants’ actions contrary to law, noting that they bypassed required regulatory procedures and statutory notice-and-comment obligations. Consequently, the court vacated the discontinuation decisions and issued a permanent injunction to protect the funding for these school-based mental health professionals. The ruling emphasized that the government must follow its own established regulations and cannot retroactively change grant criteria based on the shifting policy preferences of a new administration. The Court additionally declined to stay injunctive relief pending the Solicitor General’s decision to appeal.

On December 23, 2025, pursuant to its December 19 decision, the court ordered the defendants to make lawful continuation determinations by December 30, 2025, to issue continuation awards by December 31, 2025, and to file a status report no later than January 5, 2026.

In response to the December 23 order, the defendants requested an amended judgment on December 30, 2025, claiming that they could not possibly comply with the ordered timeline for issuing continuation awards. The defendant proposed to provide interim funding to the affected plaintiffs for a period of up to four months after January 9, 2026, or until a new administrative decision on continuation of a grant agreement is made by the Department.

The case is ongoing.

show full summary

Summary Authors

Madena Mustafa (12/7/2025)

Sofia Yoder (1/7/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70679500/parties/state-of-washington-v-united-states-department-of-education/

Attorney for Plaintiff

Aaronson, Jennifer Kate (Washington)

Adams, Crystal (Washington)

Alexander, Cynthia L. (Washington)

Allen, Aletheia (Washington)

Ammirati, Andrew M. (Washington)

Attorney for Defendant

Attorney for Plaintiff

Aaronson, Jennifer Kate (Washington)

Adams, Crystal (Washington)

Alexander, Cynthia L. (Washington)

Allen, Aletheia (Washington)

Ammirati, Andrew M. (Washington)

Attorney, Katherine Milton,

Boergers, Kathleen (Washington)

Boergers, Ms. Kathleen

Chung, Ms. Jennifer

Chung, Jennifer Katherine (Washington)

Colbert, Frances (Washington)

Connecticut, State Of

Dirks, Katherine Brady (Washington)

Drezner, Michael (Washington)

Duffy, Kyla (Washington)

Forster, Sarah (Washington)

General, Vanessa L.

General, Ester Murdukhayeva,

General, Emily Nichole

General, Neli N.

General, William David

General, Lucy Wolf,

General, Sarah Forster,

General, Ellen E.

Giovanatti, Neil (Washington)

Hemmendinger, Sarah A.

Hirsch, Emily (Washington)

Howell, Coby (Washington)

Ireland, Mr. Kiel

Ireland, Kiel Brunetti (Washington)

Island, State of

Kassab, Vanessa L (Washington)

Koch, Robert A.

Ladov, Mark H. (Washington)

Liston, Ian (Washington)

Marcus, Lawrence M. (Washington)

Maryland, State of

Massachusetts, State of

McGinty, William (Washington)

Michigan, State of

Milton, Katherine (Washington)

Muqaddam, Ms. Rabia

Muqaddam, Rabia (Washington)

Palma, Neli Nima (Washington)

Range, Ellen E (Washington)

Shavit, Yael (Washington)

Solicitor, Aletheia Allen,

Solicitor, Cynthia Alexander,

Stern, Mrs. Heidi

Stern, Heidi Parry (Washington)

Strubel, Aleeza M. (Washington)

Weiss, Sarah Hunter (Washington)

Wisconsin, State of

Wolf, Lucy (Washington)

Attorney for Defendant

Attorney, Daniel Tenny,

Attorney, Mr. Brian

Kipnis, Brian C (Washington)

Miller, Ms. Teal

Miller, Teal Luthy (Washington)

Takemoto, Mr. Benjamin

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

	Document
1 2:25-cv-01228	Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief	June 30, 2025	June 30, 2025 Complaint
49 2:25-cv-01228	Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction	July 8, 2025	July 8, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief
161 2:25-cv-01228	Notice of Motion and Defendants' Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction and for Failure to State a Claim; Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support Thereof	Sept. 5, 2025	Sept. 5, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief
186 2:25-cv-01228	Order Denying Motion to Stay	Oct. 7, 2025	Oct. 7, 2025 Order/Opinion 2025 WL 2841594
190 2:25-cv-01228	Order Denying Defendants' Motion to Dismiss State of Washington et al. v. United States Department of Education et al.	Oct. 21, 2025	Oct. 21, 2025 Order/Opinion 2025 WL 2966255
193 2:25-cv-01228	Order Granting Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction State of Washington et al. v. United States Department of Education et al.	Oct. 27, 2025	Oct. 27, 2025 Order/Opinion 2025 WL 3004675
46 25-07157	Opinion denying stay of preliminary injunction State of Washington v. U.S. Department of Education U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit	Dec. 4, 2025	Dec. 4, 2025 Order/Opinion 2025 WL 3486895
269 2:25-cv-01228	Order on Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment State of Washington et al. v. United States Department of Education et al.	Dec. 19, 2025	Dec. 19, 2025 Order/Opinion 2025 WL 3690779
276 2:25-cv-01228	Notice Of Motion And Motion To Alter Or Amend Judgment And Order On Joint Status Report State of Washington et al. v. United States Department of Education et al.	Dec. 30, 2025	Dec. 30, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief

show / hide documents

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70679500/state-of-washington-v-united-states-department-of-education/

Last updated Feb. 11, 2026, 12:51 a.m.

ECF Number	Description	Date	Link Date / Link
172	ORDER granting in part and denying in part Defendants' 164 Motion for Relief from Deadlines. The clerk shall RE-NOTE Defendants' motion to dismiss and Plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction (Dkt. Nos. 49, 161 ) for 10/9/2025, and the courtroom deputy will enter a notice of rescheduled hearing. Signed by District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson. (KRA) (Entered: 09/12/2025)	Sept. 12, 2025	Sept. 12, 2025 RECAP
173	NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED HEARING Motion Hearing re 161 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction and for Failure to State a Claim; Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support Thereof reset for 10/9/2025 at 01:00 PM in Courtroom 16206 before District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson. (DS) (Entered: 09/15/2025)	Sept. 15, 2025	Sept. 15, 2025
	Notice of Rescheduled Hearing	Sept. 15, 2025	Sept. 15, 2025
174	RESPONSE, by All Plaintiffs, to 161 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction and for Failure to State a Claim; Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support Thereof. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Denying Defendants' Motion to Dismiss)(Range, Ellen) (Entered: 09/23/2025) 1 Proposed Order Denying Defendants' Motion to Dismiss View on RECAP	Sept. 23, 2025	Sept. 23, 2025 RECAP
175	NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Teal Luthy Miller on behalf of Defendants Linda McMahon, United States Department of Education. (Miller, Teal) (Entered: 09/26/2025)	Sept. 26, 2025	Sept. 26, 2025
176	Supplemental DECLARATION of Dr. Jennifer Stuber filed by All Plaintiffs re 49 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Range, Ellen) (Entered: 09/29/2025) 1 Exhibit A View on PACER	Sept. 29, 2025	Sept. 29, 2025 RECAP
177	Stipulated MOTION to Amend Initial Disclosures and Other Case Deadlines and [Proposed] Order, filed by Defendants Linda McMahon, United States Department of Education. Noting Date 9/29/2025, (Miller, Teal) (Entered: 09/29/2025)	Sept. 29, 2025	Sept. 29, 2025 RECAP
178	ORDER granting the Parties' 177 Stipulated MOTION to Amend Initial Disclosures and Other Case Deadlines. The early case deadlines (Dkt. No. 145 ) are VACATED and will be reset as necessary after the Court resolves the pending motion to dismiss. Signed by District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson. (APH) (Entered: 09/29/2025)	Sept. 29, 2025	Sept. 29, 2025 RECAP
179	Supplemental DECLARATION of Ellen Range filed by All Plaintiffs re 49 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Attachment A, # 2 Exhibit Attachment B)(Range, Ellen) (Entered: 09/30/2025) 1 View on RECAP 2 View on RECAP	Sept. 30, 2025	Sept. 30, 2025 RECAP
180	REPLY, filed by All Defendants, TO RESPONSE to 161 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction and for Failure to State a Claim; Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support Thereof (Miller, Teal) (Entered: 09/30/2025)	Sept. 30, 2025	Sept. 30, 2025 RECAP
181	NOTICE OF MODIFIED HEARING LOCATION Motion Hearing re 161 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction and for Failure to State a Claim; Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support Thereof set for 10/9/2025 at 01:00 PM in Courtroom 16106 before District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson. (DS) (Entered: 10/03/2025)	Oct. 3, 2025	Oct. 3, 2025
	Notice of Rescheduled Hearing	Oct. 3, 2025	Oct. 3, 2025
182	MOTION (1) UNOPPOSED MOTION FOR EXPEDITED RULING; AND (2) OPPOSED MOTION FOR ORDER STAYING CASE, filed by Defendant United States Department of Education. Noting Date 10/6/2025, (Kipnis, Brian) (Entered: 10/06/2025)	Oct. 6, 2025	Oct. 6, 2025 RECAP
183	PROPOSED ORDER (Unsigned) re 182 MOTION (1) UNOPPOSED MOTION FOR EXPEDITED RULING; AND (2) OPPOSED MOTION FOR ORDER STAYING CASE (Kipnis, Brian) (Entered: 10/06/2025)	Oct. 6, 2025	Oct. 6, 2025 RECAP
184	RESPONSE, by All Plaintiffs, to 182 MOTION (1) UNOPPOSED MOTION FOR EXPEDITED RULING; AND (2) OPPOSED MOTION FOR ORDER STAYING CASE . (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Denying Defendants' Motion for Order Staying Case)(Range, Ellen) (Entered: 10/07/2025) 1 Proposed Order Denying Defendants' Motion for Order Staying Case View on RECAP	Oct. 7, 2025	Oct. 7, 2025 RECAP
185	NOTICE of Supplemental Authority re 49 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by All Plaintiffs (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Range, Ellen) (Entered: 10/07/2025) 1 Exhibit A View on RECAP	Oct. 7, 2025	Oct. 7, 2025 RECAP
186	ORDER denying Defendants' 182 Motion to Stay. Signed by District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson. (APH) (Entered: 10/07/2025)	Oct. 7, 2025	Oct. 7, 2025 Clearinghouse
187	MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson - Dep Clerk: D. Staples; Pla Counsel: Ellen E Range, Jennifer Katherine Chung; Def Counsel: Brian C Kipnis; CR: Nickie Drury; Time of Hearing: 1:00 PM; Courtroom: 16106; Motion Hearing held on 10/9/2025 re 161 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction and for Failure to State a Claim; Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support Thereof filed by Linda McMahon, United States Department of Education. The Court hears oral argument from counsel and takes the matter under advisement. Order to be issued. (DS) (Entered: 10/09/2025)	Oct. 9, 2025	Oct. 9, 2025
	Motion Hearing	Oct. 9, 2025	Oct. 9, 2025
188	TRANSCRIPT REQUEST by All Plaintiffs for proceedings held on 10/9/2025 re 187 Motion Hearing,,. Requesting Attorney: Ellen E Range.Posting of this Transcript Order form does not constitute an official request for transcript(s). If you have not already done so, you MUST contact the individual court reporter(s), Nickoline Drury (nickoline_drury@wawd.uscourts.gov, 206-370-8508) to make payment arrangements and secure your desired delivery time. (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 10/15/2025)	Oct. 15, 2025	Oct. 15, 2025 RECAP
189	NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Motion Hearing held on 10/9/2025 before Judge Kymberly K. Evanson.Parties have seven (7) calendar days to file with the court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript may be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days.Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Information regarding the policy can be found on the court's website at www.wawd.uscourts.gov.To purchase a copy of the transcript, contact court reporter Nickoline Drury, nickoline_drury@wawd.uscourts.gov, 206-370-8508. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 1/20/2026, (ND) (Entered: 10/20/2025)	Oct. 20, 2025	Oct. 20, 2025
190	ORDER denying Defendant's 161 MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction and for Failure to State a Claim. The Courtroom Deputy is directed to issue an order requiring the parties to file a joint status report to assist in setting a case schedule no later than 10/31/2025. Signed by District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson. (APH) (Entered: 10/21/2025)	Oct. 21, 2025	Oct. 21, 2025 Clearinghouse
191	ORDER REGARDING INITIAL DISCLOSURES AND JOINT STATUS REPORT Signed by District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson. Joint Status Report due by 10/31/2025. (DS) (Entered: 10/21/2025)	Oct. 21, 2025	Oct. 21, 2025 RECAP
192	APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY K. Brunetti Ireland FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for Plaintiff State of Nevada (Fee Paid) Receipt No. AWAWDC-9253131 (Wolf, Lucy) (Entered: 10/27/2025)	Oct. 27, 2025	Oct. 27, 2025 RECAP
193	ORDER granting Plaintiffs' 49 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. Defendants' counsel shall file a status report within 48 hours, documenting the actions that they have taken to comply with this order, including a copy of the notice and an explanation as to whom the notice was sent. Signed by District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson. (APH) (Entered: 10/27/2025)	Oct. 27, 2025	Oct. 27, 2025 Clearinghouse
194	ORDER re 192 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The Court ADMITS Attorney Kiel Brunetti Ireland for State of Nevada, by Clerk Ravi Subramanian. No document associated with this docket entry, text only.NOTE TO COUNSEL: Local counsel agrees to sign all filings and to be prepared to handle the matter, including the trial thereof, in the event the applicant is unable to be present on any date scheduled by the court, pursuant to LCR 83.1(d).(HH) (Entered: 10/27/2025)	Oct. 27, 2025	Oct. 27, 2025
	Order on Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice	Oct. 27, 2025	Oct. 27, 2025
195	STATUS REPORT re: Compliance with Preliminary Injunction by Defendant United States Department of Education (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Kipnis, Brian) (Entered: 10/29/2025) 1 Exhibit A View on RECAP 2 Exhibit B View on RECAP	Oct. 29, 2025	Oct. 29, 2025 RECAP
196	NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Kiel Brunetti Ireland on behalf of Plaintiff State of Nevada. (Ireland, Kiel) (Entered: 10/30/2025)	Oct. 30, 2025	Oct. 30, 2025
197	NOTICE of Appearance by attorney William McGinty on behalf of Plaintiff State of Washington. (McGinty, William) (Entered: 10/31/2025)	Oct. 31, 2025	Oct. 31, 2025
198	JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order of Plaintiffs Re: Cross-MSJ Briefing Schedule and Word Limits)(Range, Ellen) (Entered: 10/31/2025) 1 Proposed Order of Plaintiffs Re: Cross-MSJ Briefing Schedule and Word Limits View on RECAP	Oct. 31, 2025	Oct. 31, 2025 RECAP
199	PROPOSED ORDER (Unsigned) re 198 Joint Status Report Defendants' Order Setting Briefing Schedule on Cross-Motions for Summary Judgment [Proposed] (Kipnis, Brian) (Entered: 10/31/2025)	Oct. 31, 2025	Oct. 31, 2025
200	SCHEDULING ORDER. The Court ORDERS the parties to comply with the following schedule:Administrative record filed 11/4/2025. Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment (11,150 word limit) due 11/10/2025. Defendants' cross-motion for summary judgment/opposition (11,150 word limit) due11/21/2025. Plaintiffs' reply/opposition (5,575 word limit) due 12/1/2025. Defendants' reply (5,575 word limit) due 12/5/2025. Oral argument on cross-motions will be held on 12/11/2025 at 1 p.m. Signed by District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson. (APH) (Entered: 11/03/2025)	Nov. 3, 2025	Nov. 3, 2025 RECAP
201	ANSWER to 1 Complaint,, by Linda McMahon, United States Department of Education.(Kipnis, Brian) (Entered: 11/04/2025)	Nov. 4, 2025	Nov. 4, 2025 RECAP
202	UNSEALED SEALED ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD filed by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 CAR, Pt. 1 [AR000001-2135], # 2 CAR, Pt. 2 [AR002136-3311], # 3 CAR, Pt. 3 [AR003312-4599], # 4 CAR, Pt. 4a [AR004600-5913], # 5 CAR, Pt. 4b [AR005914-6423], # 6 CAR, Pt. 5 [AR006273-7437], # 7 CAR, Pt. 6 [AR007438-9260], # 8 CAR, Pt. 7 [AR009261-9762], # 9 CAR, Pt. 8 [AR009763-10107], # 10 CAR, Pt. 9 [AR010108-10536], # 11 CAR, Pt. 10 [AR010537-10818], # 12 CAR, Pt. 11 [AR010819-11935], # 13 CAR, Pt. 12 [AR011936-12626], # 14 CAR, Pt. 13 [AR012627-12774], # 15 CAR, Pt. 14 [AR012775-12945], # 16 CAR, Pt. 15 [AR012946-14107], # 17 CAR, Pt. 16 [AR014108-15195], # 18 CAR, Pt. 17 [AR015196-16372], # 19 CAR, Pt. 18 [AR016373-17140])(Kipnis, Brian) Modified to seal on 11/7/2025 (APH). (Main Document 202 and attachments replaced on 11/25/2025) . Modified to unseal per dkt. 259 on 11/25/2025 (APH). (Entered: 11/04/2025) 1 CAR, Pt. 1 [AR000001-2135] View on RECAP 2 CAR, Pt. 2 [AR002136-3311] View on PACER 3 CAR, Pt. 3 [AR003312-4599] View on PACER 4 CAR, Pt. 4a [AR004600-5913] View on PACER 5 CAR, Pt. 4b [AR005914-6423] View on PACER 6 CAR, Pt. 5 [AR006273-7437] View on PACER 7 CAR, Pt. 6 [AR007438-9260] View on PACER 8 CAR, Pt. 7 [AR009261-9762] View on PACER 9 CAR, Pt. 8 [AR009763-10107] View on PACER 10 CAR, Pt. 9 [AR010108-10536] View on PACER 11 CAR, Pt. 10 [AR010537-10818] View on PACER 12 CAR, Pt. 11 [AR010819-11935] View on PACER 13 CAR, Pt. 12 [AR011936-12626] View on PACER 14 CAR, Pt. 13 [AR012627-12774] View on PACER 15 CAR, Pt. 14 [AR012775-12945] View on PACER 16 CAR, Pt. 15 [AR012946-14107] View on PACER 17 CAR, Pt. 16 [AR014108-15195] View on PACER 18 CAR, Pt. 17 [AR015196-16372] View on PACER 19 CAR, Pt. 18 [AR016373-17140] View on PACER	Nov. 4, 2025	Nov. 4, 2025
203	UNSEALED SEALED ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD [Vol. 2 of 3] filed by Defendants Linda McMahon, United States Department of Education. (Attachments: # 1 CAR, Pt. 19 [AR017141-25763])(Kipnis, Brian) Modified to seal on 11/7/2025 (APH). (Main Document and attachment replaced on 11/25/2025) (APH). Modified to unseal per dkt. 259 on 11/25/2025 (APH). (Entered: 11/05/2025)	Nov. 5, 2025	Nov. 5, 2025
204	UNSEALED SEALED ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD [Vol. 3 of 3] filed by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 CAR, Pt. 20 [AR025764-27443], # 2 CAR, Pt. 21 [AR027444-28722], # 3 CAR, Pt. 22 [AR028723-30799])(Kipnis, Brian) Modified to seal on 11/7/2025 (APH). (Main Document and attacthments replaced on 11/25/2025) (APH). Modified to unseal per dkt. 259 on 11/25/2025 (APH). (Entered: 11/06/2025)	Nov. 6, 2025	Nov. 6, 2025
205	UNSEALED SEALED ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD [Vol. 3 of 3] - CAR, Pt. 23 [AR030800-32948] filed by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 CAR, Pt. 24 [AR032949-34006], # 2 CAR, Pt. 25 [AR034007-34330])(Kipnis, Brian) Modified to seal on 11/7/2025 (APH). (Main Document and attachments replaced on 11/26/2025) (APH). Modified to unseal per dkt. 259 on 11/26/2025 (APH). (Entered: 11/06/2025)	Nov. 6, 2025	Nov. 6, 2025
206	UNSEALED SEALED ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD [Vol. 3 of 3] - CAR, Pt. 26 [AR034331-34727] filed by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 CAR, Pt. 27 [AR034728-36088], # 2 CAR, Pt. 28 [AR036089-37832])(Kipnis, Brian) Modified to seal on 11/7/2025 (APH). (Main Document and attachments replaced on 11/26/2025) (APH). Modified to unseal per dkt. 259 on 11/26/2025 (APH). (Entered: 11/06/2025)	Nov. 6, 2025	Nov. 6, 2025
207	MINUTE ORDER. The Court directs the clerk to administratively seal all parts of the administrative record (Dkt. Nos. 202, 203, 204, 205, 206 ). Defendants shall file redacted version(s) of the administrative record for public access no later than 11/21/2025, and/or notify the Court if certain docket entries may be unsealed entirely because they do not contain personal data identifiers. Authorized by District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson. (APH) (Entered: 11/07/2025)	Nov. 7, 2025	Nov. 7, 2025 RECAP
208	MOTION for Summary Judgment, filed by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Granting Plaintiff States' Motion for Summary Judgment) Noting Date 12/11/2025, (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025) 1 Proposed Order Granting Plaintiff States' Motion for Summary Judgment View on RECAP	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025 RECAP
209	DECLARATION of Laura Allen filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Attachment A, # 2 Exhibit Attachment B, # 3 Exhibit Attachment C, # 4 Exhibit Attachment D)(Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
210	DECLARATION of Cindy Barris filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
211	DECLARATION of Nicholas Boukas filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
212	DECLARATION of Melissa Branson filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
213	DECLARATION of Amy Nicole Scott Brown filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
214	DECLARATION of Sarah Myerscough-Mueller Bylica filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
215	DECLARATION of Margaret E. Clauson filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
216	DECLARATION of Lisa Claussen filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
217	DECLARATION of Katie Eklund filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
218	DECLARATION of Sara Gagne-Holmes filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
219	DECLARATION of Elizabeth Gilfillan, Ph.D. filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
220	DECLARATION of William Halsey filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
221	DECLARATION of Shane R. Jimerson, Ph.D, NCSP filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
222	DECLARATION of Janneth Johnson-Smith filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
223	DECLARATION of Shari Johnston filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
224	DECLARATION of Christine Murphy Judson filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
225	DECLARATION of Teesha Kirschbaum filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
226	DECLARATION of Alyssa Lord, MA, MSc filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
227	DECLARATION of Catherine MacCallum-Ceballos filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
228	DECLARATION of Tania May filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
229	DECLARATION of Michael P. McKeon filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
230	DECLARATION of Brian Morrison, Ph.D. filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
231	DECLARATION of Dr. Jodi Nocero filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025 RECAP
232	DECLARATION of Danielle Ongart filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
233	DECLARATION of Jason Parkin filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Attachment A, # 2 Exhibit Attachment B, # 3 Exhibit Attachment C, # 4 Exhibit Attachment D, # 5 Exhibit Attachment E, # 6 Exhibit Attachment F, # 7 Exhibit Attachment G)(Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
234	DECLARATION of Antonio Polo, Ph.D. filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
235	DECLARATION of Jamie L. Pratt, PsyD, BCBA-D filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
236	DECLARATION of Deann Ragsdale filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
237	DECLARATION of Ellen Range filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
238	DECLARATION of Christina Rios filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C)(Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
239	DECLARATION of Ursula Ruiz filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
240	DECLARATION of Dr. Eric Sahakian filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
241	DECLARATION of Dr. Tony Sanders filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
242	DECLARATION of Emma Sandoe filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
243	DECLARATION of Dr. Andres Santamaria filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
244	DECLARATION of Kristin Schmidt filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
245	DECLARATION of Dr. Gwen Sharp filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
246	DECLARATION of Dora Soto-Delgado filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
247	DECLARATION of Glena Temple filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
248	DECLARATION of Marianna Vinson filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
249	DECLARATION of Tenneal Wetherell filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
250	DECLARATION of Lonnie Yancsurak filed by All Plaintiffs re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025
251	APPENDIX re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment Index of Declarations Filed in Support of Motion for Summary Judgment by All Plaintiffs (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 11/10/2025)	Nov. 10, 2025	Nov. 10, 2025 RECAP
252	NOTICE OF APPEAL to Ninth Circuit (25-7157) re 193 Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction, by All Defendants. No fee required- US Government Party (cc: USCA) (Kipnis, Brian) Modified on 11/14/2025 to add CCA#. (RE). (Entered: 11/12/2025)	Nov. 12, 2025	Nov. 12, 2025 RECAP
254	TIME SCHEDULE ORDER/USCA CASE NUMBER (25-7157) as to 252 Notice of Appeal filed by Linda McMahon, United States Department of Education. (RE) (Entered: 11/14/2025)	Nov. 13, 2025	Nov. 13, 2025 RECAP
253	NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL: Attorney Teal Luthy Miller for Defendants Linda McMahon, United States Department of Education. (Kipnis, Brian) (Entered: 11/14/2025)	Nov. 14, 2025	Nov. 14, 2025
255	ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD [First Supplemental] filed by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 CAR (1st Suppl) [AR037833-38225])(Kipnis, Brian) (Entered: 11/14/2025)	Nov. 14, 2025	Nov. 14, 2025 RECAP
256	CROSS MOTION AND RESPONSE re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment, filed by Defendants Linda McMahon, United States Department of Education. Oral Argument Requested. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) Noting Date 12/11/2025, (Kipnis, Brian) (Entered: 11/21/2025) 1 Proposed Order View on RECAP	Nov. 21, 2025	Nov. 21, 2025 RECAP
257	DECLARATION of Dana Carr filed by Defendants Linda McMahon, United States Department of Education re 256 CROSS MOTION AND RESPONSE re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Kipnis, Brian) (Entered: 11/21/2025)	Nov. 21, 2025	Nov. 21, 2025
258	PRAECIPE re 207 Minute Order, 205 Administrative Record E-filed (non-Social Security), 204 Administrative Record E-filed (non-Social Security), to Replace CAR Vol. 3, Pts. 20, 22 & 23 by Defendants Linda McMahon, United States Department of Education (Attachments: # 1 CAR, Pt. 20 [AR025764-27443] (redacted), # 2 CAR, Pt. 22 [AR028723-30799] (redacted), # 3 CAR, Pt. 23 [AR030800-32948] (corrected))(Kipnis, Brian) (Entered: 11/22/2025)	Nov. 21, 2025	Nov. 21, 2025
259	MINUTE ORDER. Consistent with Defendants' praecipe (Dkt. No. 258 ), the clerk is directed to: Replace Dkt. No. 204 -1 with Dkt. No. 258 -1. Replace Dkt. No. 204 -3 with Dkt. No. 258 -2. Replace Dkt. No. 205 with Dkt. No. 258 -3. Unseal Dkt. Nos. 202, 203, 204, 204 -2, 205 -1, 205 -2, 206 . Authorized by District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson. (APH) (Entered: 11/24/2025)	Nov. 24, 2025	Nov. 24, 2025 RECAP
260	REPLY, filed by All Plaintiffs, TO RESPONSE to 256 CROSS MOTION AND RESPONSE re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment, 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Range, Ellen) (Entered: 12/01/2025)	Dec. 1, 2025	Dec. 1, 2025
261	NOTICE of Hearing on 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment and 256 CROSS MOTION AND RESPONSE re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment : Motion Hearing set for 12/11/2025 at 01:00 PM in Courtroom 16206 before District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson.The court will provide remote audio public access for this hearing. Access information can be found on the court's Calendar page at least 24 hours prior to the hearing. (DS) (Entered: 12/02/2025)	Dec. 2, 2025	Dec. 2, 2025
	Notice of Hearing on Motion	Dec. 2, 2025	Dec. 2, 2025
263	OPINION FROM USCA (25-7157) (NOT THE MANDATE) as to 252 Notice of Appeal filed by Linda McMahon, United States Department of Education. EMERGENCY MOTION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE STAY DENIED. (RE) (Entered: 12/05/2025)	Dec. 4, 2025	Dec. 4, 2025 RECAP
265	UPDATED OPINION FROM USCA (25-7157) (NOT THE MANDATE) as to 252 Notice of Appeal filed by Linda McMahon, United States Department of Education. (Update: Attached reformatted per curiam opinion. Entered on USCA docket: 12/10/2025 09:09 AM) (RE) (Entered: 12/10/2025)	Dec. 4, 2025	Dec. 4, 2025 RECAP
262	NOTICE of Supplemental Authority re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment by All Plaintiffs (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Range, Ellen) (Entered: 12/05/2025)	Dec. 5, 2025	Dec. 5, 2025
264	REPLY, filed by All Defendants, TO RESPONSE to 256 CROSS MOTION AND RESPONSE re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Kipnis, Brian) (Entered: 12/05/2025)	Dec. 5, 2025	Dec. 5, 2025
266	MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson - Dep Clerk: D. Staples; Pla Counsel: Ellen E Range, Lucy Wolf, Jennifer Katherine Chung, William McGinty; Def Counsel: Brian C Kipnis; CR: Nancy Bauer; Time of Hearing: 2:00 PM; Courtroom: 16206; Motion Hearing held on 12/11/2025 re 256 CROSS MOTION AND RESPONSE re 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by Linda McMahon, United States Department of Education, 208 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by State of Rhode Island, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, State of Nevada, State of Connecticut, State of Illinois, State of Oregon, The People of the State of Michigan, State of Wisconsin, State of Delaware, State of Maine, State of California, State of Maryland, State of New Mexico, State of New York, State of Colorado, State of Washington. The Court hears oral argument from the parties and takes the matters under advisement. (DS) (Entered: 12/11/2025)	Dec. 11, 2025	Dec. 11, 2025

show / hide docket entries

Case Details

State / Territory:

Washington

Case Type(s):

Education

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Spending Freezes/Cuts

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 30, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Washington, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin

Plaintiff Type(s):

State Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

U.S. Department of Educarion, Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action: