The University of Alabama has suspended funding for two student-run magazines as part of an effort to comply with recent federal guidance on diversity programs. According to campus reports, the decision affects “Alice,” a publication focused on women’s fashion and wellness, and “Nineteen Fifty-Six,” which centers on Black student life.
Student editors involved in both publications expressed significant disappointment upon learning about the suspension of funding from their university. Alice Editor Gabrielle Gunter stated that her magazine was “what got me into journalism” and described the decision as an act of censorship against a publication dedicated to covering issues affecting women through fashion and wellness topics.
Similarly, Kendal Wright, editor-in-chief of Nineteen Fifty-Six, reported feeling deeply saddened by the university’s action. Both editors emphasized the importance of their respective publications in providing learning environments for students outside their demographic groups.
The suspension appears directly linked to a memo issued earlier this year by Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding DEI programs funding guidelines. Steven Hood, vice president for student life at Alabama, confirmed that the specific targeting of demographic groups makes these magazines appear as “unlawful proxies” under federal investigation protocols, and thus ineligible for funding.
Hood noted that while the university initiated these changes proactively to align with new requirements, no external complaints were filed against either publication. He suggested a reorientation toward more generalized programming could potentially allow for both diversity goals and continued institutional support without violating guidelines.
The Crimson White reported neither magazine had restricted participation based on race or gender identity beyond their editorial focus areas, which included specific student voices within defined themes related to campus life.
University officials maintain commitment to inclusivity while navigating these new federal parameters. Spokesperson Alex House emphasized the need for balancing First Amendment freedoms with institutional requirements around DEI programming funding eligibility and compliance protocols.
