The suspension of Alice and Nineteen Fifty-Six, two University of Alabama student magazines, has sparked backlash from alumni and press freedom advocates. The decision, which the university linked to a recent U.S. Department of Justice memo on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), has been met with concern and action from graduates determined to keep the publications alive.
Nonprofit Alumni Group Offers Financial Support
Victor Luckerson, president and co-founder of Masthead, a nonprofit that mentors journalism graduates, said the group may fund the magazines’ spring issues. Each issue costs roughly $7,500 to print 1,000 copies. Luckerson said many alumni are eager to help because they believe the students deserve the opportunity to publish their work. “We’d be really excited to try to get these magazines printed for them in the spring,” he added.
Alumni Voice Fears of Press Censorship
Over 80 alumni signed a letter to the Crimson White, the student newspaper, warning that the university’s move could lead to broader media censorship. They argue that halting funding for the women- and Black-focused magazines is not a direct requirement of the DOJ guidance. The letter emphasizes that the university is the only known institution to take such a step in response to the memo.
Editors Say Legal Changes Were Expected, But Not This
Gabrielle Gunter, editor of Alice, said she feared consequences from a state law banning DEI programs but did not expect the press freedoms of student media to be impacted. “I thought we were safe because we were protected by the First Amendment’s freedom of press,” she said. However, she added that recent interpretations of the law have created unexpected outcomes.
University Suggests New Inclusive Publication
As an alternative, university officials proposed consolidating the two suspended magazines into a single, more general student publication. Editors were not given further details, and AL.com is awaiting additional comment from the university.
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University of Alabama alumni offer to fund shuttered student magazines
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