University of Alabama closes magazines for Black, female students

MONTGOMERY, Alabama The University of Alabama has announced the suspension of two student-led magazines, one centering on Black students and the other on womens issues, following federal guidance challenging diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at universities.

The editors of Nineteen Fifty-Six and Alice were notified on Monday that their publications would cease immediately. According to one editor, a university official referenced guidance issued in July by Attorney General Pamela Bondi, which outlined what the previous administration deemed unlawful discrimination at federally funded institutions.

This decision aligns with broader national trends as colleges respond to directives from President Donald Trump aimed at limiting diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus. The university cited the magazines primary audiences as the reason for the suspension, although both publications allowed anyone to join their staff.

Alice editor-in-chief Gabrielle Gunter expressed deep disappointment over the move, noting that the magazine had recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. It was completely shocking. I thought we were protected under the First Amendment and freedom of the press, Gunter said.

During the meeting, Steven Hood, vice president for student life, explained that the university was withdrawing support based on DEI guidance. He referenced the Bondi memo, suggesting the magazines might be in violation of federal rules concerning unlawful proxies, which are defined as criteria that indirectly consider race, sex, or other protected characteristics. Hood indicated that targeting women as a primary audience could be seen as a violation.

The latest edition of Alice combined lifestyle and political content, covering topics such as affordable alternatives to luxury cosmetics, misogyny in heavy metal music, and reproductive rights politics. Nineteen Fifty-Six, named for the year the first Black student enrolled at the university, has been in circulation for five years, highlighting stories on international students and fostering campus community amid rollbacks of diversity programs.

As Editor-In-Chief, I am heartbroken but not entirely surprised by the universitys decision, given the current national climate. Our students have dedicated immense effort and passion to this magazine over five years, said Kendal Wright, editor of Nineteen Fifty-Six.

Last year, the university also closed dedicated spaces for the Black Student Union and LGBTQ+ resource center, citing new state legislation restricting DEI initiatives. Alex House, a university spokesperson, emphasized that the institution remains committed to supporting all students while complying with legal requirements. She affirmed that students First Amendment rights are unaffected and mentioned plans to launch a new student magazine with a wider audience.

The Bondi memo outlines numerous practices considered unlawful by the Justice Department, including scholarships restricted to students of a certain race. Gunter said her team was preparing the next semesters edition when the university announced the suspension and that they were distributing the current issue to students to ensure it reached readers rather than being discarded.

Analysis: Suspension of Student Magazines at University of Alabama

The recent suspension of two student-led magazines at the University of Alabama highlights the growing tension between diversity initiatives and federal guidelines challenging such programs. The decision to cease the publications—Nineteen Fifty-Six and Alice—comes after federal directives from the Trump administration raised concerns about the legality of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at universities. These magazines, one focusing on Black students and the other on women's issues, were aligned with the university’s broader diversity goals, yet they now face suspension due to perceived violations of new federal guidelines.

The university’s justification for the suspension centers on the primary audiences of these magazines. By focusing on race and gender, both publications may have violated federal rules against "unlawful proxies," which refer to practices that indirectly consider race, sex, or other protected characteristics. Despite both magazines being open to all students, the focus on specific demographics made them vulnerable to scrutiny under the updated guidance. This decision aligns with national trends where universities, in response to federal pressure, are reevaluating or dismantling DEI initiatives.

While the university claims that the suspension is in compliance with legal requirements, the move has drawn significant criticism from student leaders. Gabrielle Gunter, editor-in-chief of Alice, expressed disappointment, stating that the decision was shocking, particularly in light of the magazine's decade-long history. Kendal Wright, editor of Nineteen Fifty-Six, echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging that while the decision was heartbreaking, it was not entirely unexpected given the current national political climate. Both publications have played a significant role in fostering inclusivity and amplifying voices of marginalized students on campus, making their suspension a considerable loss to the university community.

This suspension is part of a broader pattern seen at other institutions, where university officials are withdrawing support for initiatives that might be perceived as divisive or discriminatory based on the new legal framework. It is also worth noting that the university previously shut down dedicated spaces for the Black Student Union and LGBTQ+ resource center, citing similar legislative pressures. These actions suggest a tightening of support for student organizations that focus on specific social justice issues, raising concerns about the future of diversity and inclusion programs at public universities.

Despite these challenges, the university remains committed to supporting all students, according to spokesperson Alex House. However, the commitment to First Amendment rights and plans to introduce a new magazine with a broader focus cannot fully compensate for the loss of publications that specifically championed diversity and inclusion. This decision may have lasting implications for student expression and the role of universities in fostering inclusive environments.

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• University of Alabama shutters Black, female student magazines