Ban on gender stars and other internal word symbols
A cabinet decision by the Bavarian State Government on 19 March 2024 amended the General Rules of Procedure of the Free State of Bavaria. The use of internal word symbols, such as colons, that address people beyond the gender binary was prohibited. This applies to universities when they act as state institutions, e.g. for official correspondence. Research and teaching remain free in their choice of language and the JMU language guidelines remain valid.
We call for the continued use of gender-sensitive language in university interactions, including the use of internal punctuation, in order to be able to address all genders respectfully, to utilise academic freedom to use gender-sensitive language, and to consistently apply the remaining options for gender-sensitive formulations where there are restrictions.
For more information, click here to go to the gender-sensitive language tab.