Leslie Klein, the managing editor of Alice magazine, expressed astonishment at the abrupt closure of the publication due to its focus on women readers. The University of Alabama recently shut down Alice and Nineteen Fifty-Six, a Black student publication, citing non-compliance with anti-diversity regulations enforced by the Trump administration.
Klein emphasized feeling a violation of freedom of speech and press, stating the confusion and uncertainty among the staff. The decision to close both magazines was relayed to the editors on Monday morning, leaving them dumbfounded and devastated.
While Alice’s editor-in-chief, Gabrielle Gunter, found the closure bewildering, Kendal Wright of Nineteen Fifty-Six expressed devastation but not surprise, given the current national climate. The publication, named after Autherine Lucy Foster, the university’s first Black student, faced closure as a result.
The university justified the shutdowns by referencing a memo from U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi cautioning against discriminatory practices under Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The Trump administration has been critical of DEI programs, deeming them a violation of federal anti-discrimination laws.
University spokesperson Alex House affirmed the institution’s commitment to inclusivity while complying with legal obligations. Despite claims of discrimination, Klein defended Alice as inclusive, welcoming contributions from all campus members.
FIRE, a legal organization supporting free speech on campuses, demanded the reinstatement of the magazines. The ongoing clash between the Trump administration and universities regarding DEI measures has prompted threats of funding withdrawal and closures of various student groups, including the magazines at the University of Alabama.
As the University of Alabama plans to launch a new student magazine with a broader focus, Klein and her team intend to persevere and potentially relaunch Alice under a different name with external support to ensure their voices are heard on campus.