The ban on gender language in letters from authorities, schools and universities has been in effect in Bavaria since Monday. Teachers criticize this sharply. Universities point to freedom of research.
They actually wanted to be in front of the camera. Make a statement. So that language “remains free,” as they say. But a few minutes before the interview, a call from the union: It’s better not to express your own opinion using your real name. There could be legal consequences.
The two teachers, who teach at a Bavarian state school, only dare to say anonymously what they think: that a gender ban in school assignments and letters to parents is “discriminatory” towards queer people. They would be “simply erased” on paper and from reality.
Other federal states also prohibit gendering
Since the beginning of April, authorities, schools and universities in Bavaria have no longer been allowed to use special gender characters in official letters. For example, in school assignments, letters to parents or official notices. From now on, asterisks, colons and internal Is are forbidden there. The male and female forms are still permitted, for example students.
Bavaria is not the first federal state to make language a political issue. In Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Schleswig-Holstein, gender symbols in school are considered spelling errors. The Hessian state government has also banned gender language in administration.
“You no longer exist on paper”
A gender ban in schools, say the two teachers, who only want to speak anonymously, does not change the fact that there are non-binary people – “and always have been and will be, all over the world”.
The fact that these people should no longer exist on paper is “out of touch with reality”. Because statistically speaking, there are queer people in every one of their classes. “And how can I stand in class after the holidays and say to my students in their faces: I’m sorry, you’re now banned because you’re too complicated for us.”
Teachers’ Association: “Roll backwards”
It is a restriction that will not stop society’s development towards diversity, says Simone Fleischmann, President of the Bavarian Teachers’ Association (BLLV). Such bans resembled a “roll backwards”.
Nor would they make the teaching profession, where there is already a shortage of young talent, any more attractive. “In a commune, in some letter, as far as I’m concerned. But please not with the children and young people who are supposed to support the society of tomorrow. Don’t we actually have any other problems?”
Violations are examined on a case-by-case basis
But how should the ban be controlled in the future? Upon request, the Ministry of Culture stated: There is generally wide scope for expressing opinions outside of work. And the use of special characters should not have any influence on grades. What consequences teachers face if they violate the ban will be examined on a case-by-case basis.
In general, the Bavarian government can only regulate the state apparatus. For example, telling teachers or university administration how to write letters. Scientists and students can use special characters however they want in their bachelor theses or dissertations. Freedom of research applies here.
Gendering can continue at universities
The University of Passau, for example, “naturally represents a liberal and cosmopolitan position,” says Vice President Christina Hansen. This means: Gendering can continue in scientific work – within the framework of freedom of research and teaching.
This is “the DNA” of every scientific institution. “I think this also sets European universities apart,” says Hansen.
Language changes need “Getting used to it”
With its decision in mid-March, the Bavarian state government relied on the recommendation of the German Spelling Council – namely that gender could affect the comprehensibility of texts.
“The older we are, the more difficult it is to get used to new formulations,” say the two Bavarian teachers. There was also a phase of getting used to the language when the feminine form was introduced. Today it is taken for granted.