Michigan lawmakers set aside $321 million for safety and mental health initiatives in local schools as part of the state budget approved last month, but strings attached to the earmark have left districts across the state contemplating giving up the funds.

Officials from roughly 30 local and regional school districts across Michigan filed state and federal lawsuits Thursday alleging legislators unconstitutionally leveraged essential funds by requiring schools waive certain legal protections to receive their cut of appropriations.

The waiver would force districts to relinquish rights like attorney-client privilege for school boards any time there’s a “mass casualty” event that could be subject to a state-led investigation. School officials have speculated the provision from lawmakers stem

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