December 4th 2025.
The University of Alabama recently made the decision to shut down two of its student magazines, one specifically for women and another for Black students. According to the New York Times, university officials informed the staff at Alice and Nineteen Fifty-Six on December 1st that, due to changing federal regulations on diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.), the school would no longer be able to support their publications.
This decision came after a July memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi, which outlined guidelines for federally-funded institutions to avoid what the Trump administration considers to be unlawful D.E.I. practices. During a meeting to announce the suspensions, Steven Hood, the university's vice president of student life, stated that the magazines had violated these anti-D.E.I. standards. In particular, Hood referenced sections of Bondi's memo that warned against "unlawful proxies," which are defined as "seemingly neutral criteria that act as substitutes for considering race, sex, or other protected characteristics."
Hood explained that, as a public institution, the university must comply with federal guidance and therefore cannot support magazines that cater to specific demographics, such as these two. One member of the magazine team pointed out that their publications welcome students from all backgrounds, not just their target audiences. However, Hood stated that this was still not enough to meet federal guidelines.
University spokeswoman Alex House later stated that the suspensions were carried out in accordance with the law. She emphasized that the university's goal is to ensure that all members of the community feel welcome to participate in programs that receive funding from the Office of Student Media. House also noted that the university values its students' freedom of expression and will never restrict it.
After the suspensions were announced, Kendal Wright, editor-in-chief of Nineteen Fifty-Six, expressed her disappointment, stating that she was "devastated but, unfortunately, not surprised" by the university's decision. She cited the current climate of the country as a contributing factor. Gabrielle Gunter, editor-in-chief of Alice, also spoke out against the move, saying, "I was under the impression that our First Amendment right to freedom of the press would protect us from any anti-D.E.I. legislation or rulings, but it seems I was mistaken." This statement was reported by Insight on Academia.
In response to the suspensions, Hood announced that the university plans to launch a new campus lifestyle magazine that will cater to all students. He also extended an invitation to the editors of the suspended publications to assist in its creation. This news comes after the Alabama State men's basketball team broke their losing streak with a historic win over UAB, showcasing the strength and diversity of the university's student body.
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