In the United States, the University of Alabama took a controversial step by suspending two of its student publications, Alice magazine and Nineteen Fifty-Six. This decision came in response to a memo issued by Attorney General Pam Bondi in July 2025, which provided federal agencies with recommendations on adhering to antidiscrimination laws. While the memo outlined non-binding guidance, it emphasized avoiding practices that might seem to discriminate against certain groups under the premise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), labeling some initiatives as 'unlawful proxies.' The suspensions of these magazines, effective immediately, addressed concerns that they might indirectly encourage discriminatory practices, as outlined in the memo. Editors of both publications expressed their distress over the decision. Gabrielle Gunter, editor-in-chief of Alice, lamented the impact on students’ ability to create diverse content, while Kendal Wright, from Nineteen Fifty-Six, underlined the role the magazine played in fostering a talented community among Black student journalists. In a statement regarding the suspensions, Alex House, the associate director of communications at the university, reiterated the institution's commitment to inclusivity while adhering to legal obligations concerning federally funded programs. He emphasized that maintaining a welcoming environment for all students is paramount. The university stated that the Fall 2025 issue would serve as the final edition for both magazines. It is also indicated that the institution routinely reviews its programming to ensure compliance with legal standards. The suspensions reflect a significant shift in how educational institutions might interpret and act in alignment with federal guidance as it relates to DEI programs and funding.