Diversity Day 2019
Action day at the Leuphana on non-discriminatory language
For the 3rd time, the Leuphana University of Lüneburg participated in the nationwide Diversity Day and thus set an example for a cosmopolitan, diverse and respectful cooperation and against discrimination and intolerance.
Language is one of the most important means of expression in our society. It conveys values and norms and reflects our social reality. Language is flexible, adaptable and creative, but it has also grown historically. Power relations and social inequality are imprinted on the linguistic image, become linguistic cliches and thus a habit.
Becoming aware of language and a reflected use of it are important steps on the way to sustainable change, which is why this year's Diversity Day was dedicated to the topic of "non-discriminatory language".
Postcard campaign "Discrimination-free language"
Diversity - Being different without fear?
"An emancipated society would be [...] the realization of the general in the reconciliation of differences. Politics, which would still be seriously concerned with this, should [...] point to the bad equality today [...], but think of the better state than that in which one can be different without fear.
(Theodor W. Adorno)
The question of the unity of diversity always implies the question of the whole. The positive reference to "diversity" is expressly directed against the relations of domination and exclusion, that exist in society as a whole. The Leuphana University of Lüneburg is committed to creating equal opportunities and combating discrimination. The aim is not only to recognise diversity but also to design teaching and learning spaces for all people in a respectful, discrimination-critical and emancipatory manner. To achieve this, excluding and limiting norms and power relations must be criticised and changed. This intention is also important on the linguistic level. The terms in which we think are the instruments we act with. Language is both, the result and the instrument of social conceptions of reality. Exclusion-producing social power relations, such as heterosexism, anti-semitism, racism, transphobia, and ableism, are also manifested in language and can be perpetuated by it. The connection between real discrimination or violence and discriminatory linguistic expressions should not be underestimated.
The postcard campaign "non-discriminatory language" is intended to create an initial awareness of the effects and power of language. It can only touch upon the respective topics of "gender-equitable language, language critical of racism, hate speech, barrier-free communication and accents" and makes no claim to be complete. Rather, it represents a low-threshold, sometimes provocative approach to provide impulses for a "language free of discrimination".
Statement on the Diversity Day by Prof. Dr. Angelika Henschel
For the seventh time, numerous organisations, associations, companies and public institutions are setting an example of diversity on today's nationwide Diversity Day. Internal and public campaigns are used to make it clear how diversity is lived as a matter of course and what benefits this brings to our society. Prof. Dr. Angelika Henschel (Chair of Social Pedagogy, in particular Gender Research, Youth Services and Inclusion, Leuphana University of Lüneburg and one of the spokespersons of the Gender and Diversity Research Network), referring to the bachelor's degree course in Social Work for educators, emphasizes the importance of studying, teaching and living together in a way that is appropriate to diversity. You can find the complete statement here.
Programme
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Diversity breaks in teaching sessions with postcard campaign “Discrimination-free language”
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Communication space “Dive into the Otherness”
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: “Then and now? How traditional gender roles influence people in negotiations” Salon discussion with Dr. Jens Mazei and Dr. Carolin Schuster
4 to 6 p.m.: “Discrimination-free language between desire and reality” Dialogue with Anne Wizorek and Fatoş Atali-Timmer
Key topics
Good communication or poor communication? Or should we rather talk about mediation skills?
We don't just express ourselves with words and sentences. Understanding each other requires more than just vocabulary, says Dr. Nuria Miralles Andress from the Language Center. You can read the entire interview here.
Gender differences in negotiations: Interview with Dr. Jens Mazei
How can discrimination be avoided in negotiations? The psychologist from TU Dortmund answers. He is a guest at today's Diversity Day salon discussion. You can read the entire interview here.
Barrier-free communication: The Schwer-in-Ordnung group
The representatives of people with severe disabilities and their representatives at Leuphana are not only campaigning for wheelchair ramps and door buttons. They also advocate for language that everyone understands and that does not hurt anyone. There is one word they would like to eliminate. You can read about which word this is on pages 22 & 23.
What does non-discriminatory language mean to me? – A survey
Is it even possible to speak without excluding or belittling anyone? How important is diversity-sensitive language in a diverse society? We asked around on campus.
Anti-racist language: “I don't want to be reduced to a stereotype”
Naomi* was born in Asia. She studies at Leuphana, has made some very good friends here, and feels respected. Outside the campus, however, this is not always the case. You can find the full article here.
Contact
If you have special needs or encounter barriers in our content, please contact us at
genderdiversity@leuphana.de