University of Alabama Suspends Two Student Publications Over Federal Diversity Guidelines

Two student-run magazines at the University of Alabama have been suspended following directives from Attorney General Pam Bondi’s memo on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The publications affected are Alice, a fashion and wellness magazine focused on women, and Nineteen Fifty-Six, which centers on Black student life and culture.

Students running these magazines expressed profound disappointment. Editor-in-chief Gabrielle Gunter of Alice stated that the decision was deeply disheartening. “It breaks my heart that there will no longer be spaces like Alice,” she said, adding that the magazine played a crucial role in her journalism journey and its suspension felt like censorship.

Kendal Wright, editor-in-chief of Nineteen Fifty-Six, described being “deeply saddened” by the university’s action. Her publication not only catered to Black student journalists but also served as a vital part of building campus community.

The decision stems from guidance issued by Attorney General Bondi in July, which warned institutions receiving federal funds against programs she deems unlawful DEI-related classifications. This directive essentially prohibits funding for targeted student publications focused on specific demographic groups like race or gender. As Nineteen Fifty-Six is named after the year of integration and aims to represent Black culture at a historically segregated institution, its suspension aligns with this interpretation.

Vice President of Student Life Steven Hood confirmed that the suspension was based solely on university policy originating from Bondi’s memo regarding these specific programs. “The magazines were suspended because they target specific demographic groups,” he told students. He invited both publications to create new, broader content aimed at all students instead of focusing exclusively on particular identities.

University officials stressed that this move is a response to federal requirements rather than any external complaint. Spokesperson Alex House noted the institution’s commitment “to supporting every member of our community and advancing… goals to welcome, serve, and help all succeed.” While acknowledging alignment with federal guidance, she emphasized maintaining an inclusive environment remains important.

Institutions across the US have followed similar directives since President Donald Trump’s administration aligned with these views. Notably, just weeks after Bondi sent her memo, the University of Michigan announced its intention to close its DEI office entirely due to such concerns. This latest suspension at Alabama mirrors that trend as universities navigate a delicate balance between federal mandates and fostering diverse student voices.

The affected student groups are now petitioning for reinstatement. Their efforts seek to leverage both student and faculty pressure to challenge the university’s interpretation of free expression under what House claims is still intact by law, students’ First Amendment rights remain “fully intact.”