University of Alabama halts publication of Alice and Nineteen Fifty-Six magazines

University of Alabama Suspends Student Magazines

On Monday, the University of Alabama announced the suspension of two student-funded magazines, Alice Magazine and Nineteen Fifty Six. This decision follows a memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi issued in July, which discussed federal anti-discrimination laws.

The memo was sent as non-binding guidance to federal agencies, outlining best practices to avoid legal issues related to compliance with these laws. One significant point mentioned is the idea of “unlawful substitution,” where an organization may use neutral criteria instead of openly considering race or gender, which can lead to discriminatory practices.

The memo notes that its guidance clarifies how federal anti-discrimination laws can apply to programs that might engage in such practices—specifically addressing initiatives labeled as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Alice Magazine zeroes in on topics like fashion, beauty, and wellness for women, while Nineteen Fifty Six, established in 2020, focuses on Black culture and the student experience at the university. Aris, editor-in-chief of Alice, expressed disappointment at the news, mentioning how much effort the team had put into the publications. He noted that both magazines provided important platforms for celebrating diverse identities.

Kendall Wright, editor-in-chief of Nineteen Fifty Six, echoed similar concerns, stating that the publication had nurtured talented Black student journalists and fostered a strong community on campus. She described the situation as “very sad.”

Alex House, the associate director of communications and media relations at the University of Alabama, clarified the university’s commitment to supporting all community members while adhering to legal obligations. He indicated that staff would collaborate with students on a new publication that would encompass a broader range of perspectives, likely coming next academic year.

Both publications reportedly did not restrict participation based on identity attributes like race or gender. Interestingly, the Justice Department memo highlighted issues with DEI policies that could favor candidates from ‘underrepresented groups’ in various institutional processes, drawing a clear line on what constitutes acceptable practices.