Leslie Klein, the managing editor of Alice magazine, expressed her astonishment at the abrupt closure of the student publication she works for due to its focus on women readers. The University of Alabama recently announced the immediate shutdown of two student magazines, Alice and Nineteen Fifty-Six, citing violations of anti-diversity regulations implemented by the Trump administration.
Klein emphasized that the closure infringed on their freedom of speech and press, leaving the staff feeling bewildered and uncertain about their next steps. The decision to terminate the publications was met with disappointment and frustration by the student journalists involved.
The closure of Nineteen Fifty-Six, named after the year the university’s first Black student enrolled, was particularly disheartening for its editor Kendal Wright, who condemned the university’s action as a reflection of the current divisive climate. The university defended its decision by referencing a memo from U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, warning against engaging in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, a stance aligned with President Trump’s anti-DEI agenda.
University spokesperson Alex House emphasized the institution’s commitment to complying with legal obligations while supporting student voices. Despite the university’s assertion that First Amendment rights remain intact, Klein contested the discriminatory allegations against Alice, stressing its inclusive nature and open invitation to all campus members to participate.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) intervened by demanding the reinstatement of the magazines, labeling the university’s actions as an attack on student press freedom. This move was part of a larger pattern of universities facing pressure from the Trump administration regarding DEI initiatives and funding allocations.
In response to the university’s offer to collaborate on a new publication with a broader focus, Klein and her colleagues declined, opting to preserve Alice’s voice independently. They are determined to continue their advocacy for women’s issues and ensure their voices are heard on campus, even if it means launching under a different name with external support.
