Dear members of the UdK,

The Berlin University of the Arts is committed to fostering a working and teaching environment in which everyone feels recognised, valued and included. This includes recognising a person’s self-chosen identity – including their name and, where applicable, their gender.

Respectful treatment of a person’s chosen name and gender identity is in line with the principles of the UdK Berlin Code of Conduct. In particular, this emphasises the importance of communication that is sensitive to discrimination, the avoidance of exclusion through language, and taking the perspective of the person concerned into account.

Changing one’s name or gender entry can be an important and often sensitive step for the person concerned. This makes it all the more important to treat them with care, discretion and support in the work and learning environment. The name and form of address are not mere formalities, but central components of identity, belonging and respect.

The legal basis for changing a name or gender entry stipulates that, under the General Data Protection Regulation (DSGVO) (Article 16), individuals have the right to have their personal data rectified if it is inaccurate. Additionally, the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) and the State Anti-Discrimination Act (LADG) protect against discrimination on the grounds of gender identity.

The Self-Determination Act (SBGG) further strengthens the principle of gender and personal self-determination. These legal developments underscore the importance of handling changes to names and gender entries in a sensitive, respectful and as barrier-free a manner as possible, including within an institutional context.

Guidelines for respectful interaction

Recommended:

• Use the individual’s chosen name and preferred form of address consistently.
• If you are unsure, politely ask which salutation or pronouns they use.
• Avoid using the person’s former name.
• Support colleagues and students by using the correct form of address in your conversations as well.
• If you make a mistake, stay calm and correct yourself briefly.
• Treat all information regarding a name or gender change as confidential.

Please avoid:

• Using the person’s former name (“deadnaming”).
• Asking about personal reasons or background details of the change.
• Making comments such as “The old name was nicer” or similar judgments.
• Sharing information without the affected person’s consent.
• Humour or “jokes” regarding names or gender identity.

Treating one another with respect fosters trust, a sense of belonging and a working environment that is sensitive to discrimination. Language and communication play a central role in this and can, consciously or unconsciously, lead to inclusion or exclusion.

The UdK Berlin has also introduced a standardised procedure for changes to names and gender entries, with the aim of making the process clear, data-sensitive and as straightforward as possible.

If you have any questions or require support, please feel free to contact the Women’s and Equal Opportunities Officer at any time.

Kind regards,

Alejandra Nieves Camacho & Vanessa Wozny
Diversity and Anti-Discrimination Officer & Women’s and Equal Opportunities Officer