WASHINGTON, D.C. — A glaring error by the U.S. Department of Education has drawn sharp criticism after it mistakenly identified the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa as the subject of a federal investigation into race-based discrimination practices. The actual target of the probe is the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), a separate institution within the University of Alabama System.
The confusion came to light after the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) updated its press release, quietly replacing “University of Alabama” with “University of Alabama at Birmingham.” This correction followed widespread reporting on alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits racial discrimination in federally funded programs.
The mix-up raises questions about competence within the Trump administration’s Department of Education, led by Secretary Linda McMahon. McMahon, a former wrestling promoter, has made dismantling diversity initiatives a cornerstone of her tenure. Critics argue that such errors undermine the credibility of her department’s aggressive civil rights enforcement agenda.
UAB, now confirmed as under investigation, reportedly received over $534 million in federal funding last year. The stakes are high, as institutions found in violation risk losing critical federal support.
This incident is emblematic of broader concerns about administrative mismanagement under Trump-era leadership. High-profile blunders have included Elon Musk’s numerous erroneous claims concerning his DOGE program, and a surprising lack of knowledge of government functions and international affairs demonstrated by Trump’s colorful and largely unqualified cabinet.
While investigations into race-based practices continue, this latest error underscores a troubling pattern: a willingness to act swiftly without due diligence, leaving institutions and individuals caught in the crossfire. Critics argue that these blunders reflect not just incompetence but a deeper disregard for precision in policymaking—a legacy likely to haunt both McMahon and Musk for years to come.