TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — The University of Alabama has suspended two long-running student magazines, citing a federal memo on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) issued by Attorney General Pam Bondi earlier this year. The publications — Alice, a women-focused fashion and wellness magazine, and Nineteen Fifty-Six, a magazine dedicated to Black student life — were informed of the shutdown as they were preparing new issues.
Editors from both publications said that the announcement felt like censorship, noting that the platforms had helped train young journalists and provided dedicated spaces for storytelling. Gabrielle Gunter, editor-in-chief of Alice, said it was “disheartening” to see years of student work halted, while Kendal Wright of Nineteen Fifty-Six said the publication had played a central role in celebrating Black culture on campus.
University officials said the decision stemmed from Bondi’s July guidance, which warned federally funded institutions against programs the administration considers “illegal DEI preferences.” Steven Hood, vice president of student life, told staff the magazines’ targeted audiences made them “unlawful proxies,” though he said there had been no formal complaint.
The university added that neither publication excluded contributors based on race or gender, and said students’ First Amendment rights remain intact. Administrators invited editors to help develop a new magazine intended for all student identities.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
