Leslie Klein, the managing editor of the women-centered magazine Alice, expressed shock at the sudden closure of the publication by the University of Alabama due to alleged violations of anti-diversity measures under the Trump administration. The university also shut down Nineteen Fifty-Six, a Black student publication, in response to these measures.
Klein emphasized feeling that their freedom of speech and press had been violated by the closures, leaving the staff confused and uncertain about their next steps. The decision to terminate both magazines was met with dismay by the student journalists involved, with Gabrielle Gunter from Alice and Kendal Wright from Nineteen Fifty-Six expressing their disappointment.
The University of Alabama justified the closures by referencing a memo from U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi warning against engaging in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, which have been targeted by the Trump administration as violating federal anti-discrimination laws.
Despite the University’s assertion that the closures were necessary to comply with legal obligations, Klein argued that Alice was inclusive and had never faced complaints related to discrimination. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has intervened, demanding the reinstatement of the magazines, citing an infringement on student press freedom.
In a broader context, the University of Alabama’s actions align with a pattern of universities facing pressure from the Trump administration regarding DEI initiatives. The closure of dedicated spaces for minority groups on campus and threats of funding withdrawal have been part of this trend.
Looking ahead, the University plans to launch a new student magazine with a broader focus and has invited former staff from Alice and Nineteen Fifty-Six to participate. However, Klein and her colleagues are hesitant to collaborate, preferring to focus on reviving Alice independently to ensure the continuation of diverse voices on campus.