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University of Alabama Shuts Down Two Identity-Focused Student Magazines, Citing DOJ Guidance

Administrators say compliance with a July Justice Department memo on “unlawful proxies” requires ending the university-funded titles.

Overview

  • The university halted Alice and Nineteen Fifty-Six effective immediately, with their Fall 2025 editions designated as final issues.
  • Vice President Steven Hood told staff the magazines were deemed unlawful proxies because they primarily target women and Black students under the DOJ memo cited by the school.
  • Editors countered that participation was open to all students and noted both outlets routinely employed contributors outside their target audiences.
  • Officials say they will fund a new, broader magazine next academic year; no student magazine will publish in spring 2026, and current staff will be paid through the term.
  • A petition urging reinstatement drew about 1,642 signatures within a day as student-press advocates from FIRE and the Student Press Law Center criticized the rationale as viewpoint discrimination based on nonbinding guidance.