New school year in Saxony: Point deduction for gender stars from Monday

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Leipzig - The introduction of point deductions for the use of gender -friendly language in Saxony encounters a lot of criticism and raises questions about school education and values ​​that are conveyed in schools.

worse grades for gender -appropriate language

From next Monday, student manuscripts in Saxony will be assessed with fewer points if students use gender -friendly spellings. This is a decision by the Minister of Education Christian Piwarz (CDU), which classifies the use of special characters such as gender stars, inland-I and double points as non-sexually neutral spelling. Instead of simply being marked as a spelling mistake, their use now leads to emotional disputes and a devaluation of the grade.

Spelling and gendering in the focus

The Council for German Spelling has made it clear that such gender signs are not part of the German orthography. In practice, this means that all attempts to find gender -neutral formulations are no longer allowed from August 5, 2023. Ludwig, 10th grade student, commented on: "It is important that we represent all voices in the language, and that should not be punished."

criticism from the student body and teacher union

The State Student Council has already expressed its concerns. Amy Kirchhoff (16), the chair, emphasizes: "School should not be the place where you have to decide between a good grade and your own belief in a just language." This mood is also shared by the Upbringing and Science union, which argues that the punishment of students should not target unconscious spelling mistakes, but to personal beliefs.

regional differences in gender

Saxony positions itself here in a discussion that goes beyond national borders. Similar regulations can also be found in Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt, Hesse and Schleswig-Holstein, where negative consequences for the use of gender-friendly language forms can also be expected. This inconsistent handling leads to confusion and uncertainty among the students who want clear and consistent rules for their education.

a significant sign for the community

The upcoming changes have not only affect the performance of the students, but also on the values ​​and attitudes that shape schools in the community. Minister of Education Piwarz emphasizes that these measures - despite the votes against - are necessary to maintain the integrity of the curricula. But among the students there are fears that this could lead to a narrowing of thinking in the long term.

The persistent debate shows how important it is to find a balance between tradition and modern thinking in education. The decision to punish gender language at school is a step that could have far -reaching consequences for the school climate and the identity of young people. In the future -proof design of education, it must be placed on both just as well as clear communication methods.

- Nag