California joined several other states Friday in suing the Trump administration over its demand that public schools eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or risk losing federal funding — expanding its defiance in a standoff with high stakes for students across the state.

Gavin Newsom on Friday blasted the Trump administration for slashing funds for service workers and volunteer efforts, and state Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition suit that seeks to preserve federal funding for schools with diversity,

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.