On Dec. 1, University of Alabama officials told student journalists at Nineteen Fifty-Six, a magazine celebrating Black student culture, and Alice, a magazine centered on women’s fashion and lifestyle, that their publications would be shuttered immediately.

The university’s interpretation of federal anti-diversity guidelines left talented student journalists without the publications they have dedicated their campus careers to. After working so hard on magazines that help students from all across campus feel seen and heard, the students would be unable to release their planned spring issues.

MASTHEAD quickly raised $25,000 to publish print magazines created by the student journalists from Alice and Nineteen Fifty-Six in spring 2026. But this series of events is just the latest in a troubling trend of hostility toward student (and all) media by powerful institutions. Our work is far from over.

MASTHEAD is a mission-driven nonprofit that empowers historically underrepresented groups in student media to tell their own stories. We provide financial resources and professional mentorship to current student journalists, host speakers and send students to development events. MASTHEAD will continue to defend students’ free speech rights, even if the University won't. And you can help. Donate today to help us keep student media at UA alive.

Defend a Free and Fair Press at the University of Alabama

By Media Alumni Seeking to Highlight Equity and Diversity

Defend a Free and Fair Press at the University of Alabama

Help us keep Black and women's student publications alive after UA tried to shut them down