CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Nineteen states that refused to comply with a Trump administration directive aimed at eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public schools went a step further Friday, filing a federal lawsuit challenging what they consider an illegal threat to cut federal funding.

California is suing the Trump administration in a joint lawsuit with other states in response to threats to cut federal funding toward education. Attorney General Rob Bonta on Friday warned the cuts could result in billions lost.

SACRAMENTO — California is suing the Trump administration over its threats to pull public school funding because of diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Education threatened to revoke funds from schools that don’t terminate their DEI programs.