diff --git a/augur/util/repo_load_controller.py b/augur/util/repo_load_controller.py
index af46ce3260..5220853024 100644
--- a/augur/util/repo_load_controller.py
+++ b/augur/util/repo_load_controller.py
@@ -277,7 +277,7 @@ def get_colum_by_label(label: str)-> Column:
                 return None, {"status": "Invalid order by"}
             
             # Find the column named in the 'order_by', and get its asc() or desc() method 
-            directive: function = getattr(get_colum_by_label(order_by), direction.lower())
+            directive = getattr(get_colum_by_label(order_by), direction.lower())
             
             repos = repos.order_by(directive())