KSS criticizes Ministry of Science for gender ban at universities

The Conference of Saxon Student Bodies (KSS) accuses the Ministry of Science of a "gender ban at universities". Specifically, it concerns a letter from Science Minister Sebastian Gemkow (CDU). In it, he calls on universities to refrain from using special characters in official documents. Gemkow recalled that the official set of rules is binding for public administration and referred to the German Spelling Council.

Minister: Clarification should bring legal certainty

"The clarification on the use of the official set of rules for German spelling at universities promotes comprehensibility, legibility and a common understanding of the language. In the area of administration, this clarification creates legal certainty," Gemkow told the German Press Agency in Dresden.

According to the Ministry of Science, the official regulations are binding for administration and teacher training courses. Students should be trained and sensitized to the requirements of their future daily work, but also during internships during their studies.

KSS: There are more urgent problems at Saxon universities

The KSS spoke of "unnecessary interference in the autonomy of universities and the freedom of students and teachers to use language as a means of equality and inclusion". "Everyone should decide for themselves whether to use gender-inclusive language. Regulations on this are unnecessary and interfere with our personal freedom. There are many urgent problems at Saxon universities," explained KSS spokesperson Paul Steinbrecher.

"Such a ban does not solve any of the real problems that students and universities in Saxony face on a daily basis. It is particularly important to promote openness and diversity in education - and language is an essential tool for this," emphasized KSS spokesperson Madelaine Weller.