University of Alabama suspends two student magazines after federal memo DEI compliance concerns
The University of Alabama has suspended two of its student magazines — Alice and Nineteen Fifty-Six — citing new federal guidance on antidiscrimination compliance. The development follows a July memo from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Department of Justice, which outlined “best practices” for federally funded institutions. According to Fox News Digital, the memo, while non-binding, urges universities to ensure that seemingly neutral programme criteria do not act as “unlawful proxies” for race, gender or other protected characteristics.
Why the magazines were suspended
In its communication to students, the university said the DOJ guidance requires all programmes receiving institutional funding to remain open and accessible to everyone. A key section of the memo cited by Fox News Digital warns federally funded entities against using neutral-sounding policies that could still function as substitutes for race- or gender-based considerations.Officials said the two suspended magazines fall under the Office of Student Media, which receives university funding and therefore must strictly comply with federal rules. The Fall 2025 edition of each publication will be their last in the current format.Alex House, associate director of communications and media relations at the university, told Fox News Digital that the institution “remains committed to supporting every member of our community” but must also “comply with our legal obligations.” He added that the university hopes to work with students to launch a new publication “featuring a variety of voices and perspectives” next academic year.
What the magazines represented
Alice is a long-running lifestyle magazine that focuses on fashion, health, beauty and wellness, mainly curated for women. Nineteen Fifty-Six, launched in 2020, centres on Black culture and Black student experiences on campus.Speaking to The Crimson White, student editors expressed disappointment.
- Gabrielle Gunter, editor-in-chief of Alice, said it was “disheartening” to see years of student work affected. She added that the magazine introduced her to journalism and had offered students “spaces to create beautiful, diverse publications that honour all types of identities.”
- Kendal Wright, editor-in-chief of Nineteen Fifty-Six, said she was “deeply saddened,” adding that the magazine had nurtured talented Black student journalists and strengthened community ties.
No evidence of exclusion, say students
According to reporting by The Crimson White and cited by Fox News Digital, neither magazine restricted participation based on race, gender or any identity marker. Each had contributors outside its primary target audience.However, the DOJ memo lists examples of practices that may raise compliance concerns — including policies that prioritise “candidates from underrepresented groups” in hiring, admissions or promotions. The university said it routinely reviews student programmes as the compliance landscape evolves and will work to introduce alternatives when required.
What this means for campus media moving forward
With both magazines set to close after Fall 2025, the University of Alabama plans to redesign its student-publication ecosystem to ensure all future titles align with federal antidiscrimination interpretations. While the decision has sparked debate on campus, university officials maintain the shift is a legal necessity.Students and faculty are now awaiting details of the proposed new publication that aims to bring together a broader mix of voices — a transition that could reshape how representation and diversity are expressed within campus media.
