Weekly Advocacy Brief (Week of July 21)

Even in the heat of summer, social workers and others are not slowing down when it comes to monitoring and engaging in priority Virginia and national policy work. Read the latest below, visit our policy section, and follow @NASWVA on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms to stay abreast on the issues most important to social workers.

• Justice Department Launches a Fourth GMU Discrimination Investigation 

• Rep. McClellan, Child Advocates Submit Congressional Resolution to Reduce Mental Health Harm Caused by Extreme Weather

• Virginia Refuses to Join 24-state Lawsuit to Demand Full Release of $6.8 Billion in Public Education Funding

• Student Loan Impacts from Federal Budget Bill Passage Raise Fear, Confusion as Students Return to Virginia Universities 

Federal Funding/Social Work Education: U.S. Department of Justice Launches a Fourth Discrimination Investigation into George Mason University

The U.S. Department of Justice announced another investigation July 22 into whether George Mason University is engaging in “discrimination against students based on race or national origin in [its] admissions practices and the awarding of student benefits and scholarships.” It also is examining whether GMU’s response to antisemitism on campus violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The case is the fourth investigation pursued by DOJ in the past month.

Mental/Behavioral Health: Virginia-Sourced Congressional Resolution Would Address Negative Youth Mental Health Impacts Due to Extreme Heat, Weather 

Concerned about negative physical and behavioral health patterns in youth due to extreme heat, Virginia education activists and Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D, District 4) have submitted a resolution calling on Congress to address the issue, saying it “threatens children’s well-being.” Among the cited risks are “cognition impairment, making school learning and performance harder” and “life-altering trauma from extreme weather disasters and adverse mental health impacts.” The resolution advocates for protections such as “timely and accessible extreme weather alerts; education and training for professionals, educators, and caregivers; expanded access to safe places for children and families during [these] events; and more.”

Education/Federal Funding: The District Joins Multi-State Lawsuit to Demand Trump Administration Releases $6.8 Billion in Education Funds

The District joined with 24 states to sue the U.S. Education Department for the release of $6.8 billion in public education funding that has withheld for unclear reasons, only weeks before the new school year is scheduled to start. The congressionally allocated monies were to pay for free or low-cost after-school programs, teacher training, and English literacy assistance, prompting parents to panic about finding safe, affordable childcare and travel arrangements at this late date. Read more here and follow other relevant education news in the chapter’s Policy Section.

Federal Funding/Social Work Education: Student Loan Impacts from “Big, Beautiful Bill” Passage Raise Fear, Confusion as Students Return to Virginia Universities 

Social work students at Virginia higher education institutions are among students nationwide who are worried and confused about personal outcomes resulting from the significantly changed rules and stricter accountability provisions to federal financial aid. The provisions are part of the congressionally passed “One Big, Beautiful Budget Bill.” As student return to their studies in the coming weeks, schools are warning anyone counting on the Public Service Forgiveness Loan Program, income-driven repayment plans, and other elements that they will “likely” be affected. However, universities are waiting for more implementation guidance “to fully understand the potential impact on enrollment and revenue.” NASW partner SAVI stands ready to help NASW student members navigate this new financial climate—contact them today!