BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The U.S. Department of Education named the University of Alabama among seven colleges under civil rights investigation in a Friday news release, then quietly corrected the listing to the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The federal department did not issue a new press release, but changed the Alabama school’s name on the online version of the March 14 release that said 52 schools are being investigated. The department did not respond to requests for clarification.
When asked about the investigation, University of Alabama at Birmingham’s public relations director Alicia Rohan sent this statement to ADN: “UAB is committed to providing resources and opportunities for all students regardless of race or other protected classes. We will work with the U.S. Department of Education to address any concerns and ensure compliance.”
Alex House, University of Alabama associate communications director, on Monday afternoon told Alabama Daily News, “The University of Alabama has not been contracted by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights about the investigation announced Friday and is no longer listed in the press release.”
The investigations are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in education.
“The department is working to reorient civil rights enforcement to ensure all students are protected from illegal discrimination,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a written statement. “Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin.”
Led by the department’s Office for Civil Rights, the investigations fall under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded education programs. Institutions found in violation risk losing federal funding.
The investigations follow a February 14 Dear Colleague Letter, reminding schools they must eliminate race-based preferences in admissions, hiring, scholarships and other programs.