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Equal Opportunities

Event on the topic of "discrimination-sensitive language" on 25.04.2023 (in german)


On behalf of the Prorector Prof. Dr. Stephan Michael Schröder and the Rectorate Representative for Anti-Racism Prof. Dr. Katajun Amirpur, we would like to invite you to the event "Speechless?- Discrimination-sensitive language in teaching".

Language is a powerful instrument, and words have an effect on people. Language shapes our society by mapping social structures and creating realities - even at universities. Language also has a colonial history, and its uncritical use can be harmful to those affected by racism while also helping to shape discriminatory social structures. Examining language and concepts can serve as a starting point for critically questioning one's own thinking. Through this event, we would like to create an interdisciplinary space for reflection on discrimination-sensitive use of language.

Invited guests are:

  • Prof. Dr. Lorenz Narku Laing (Evangelische Hochschule Bochum) for a keynote lecture
  • Prof. Dr. Gudrun Hentges (Uni Köln)
  • BIPOC Referat Uni Köln
  • N-Wort Stoppen Köln for a following discussion in the fishbowl:

The event will be moderated by Cecil Arndt. The event will be held in German.

When: On 25.4.2023 from 4pm - 6pm.
Where: Neuer Senatssaal (main building) of the University of Cologne.

We look forward to receiving your registration by 21.04.2023.
You are also welcome to forward this invitation to interested students and employees.

Prof. Dr. Lorenz Narku Laing is a diversity trainer, founder, minority rights activist and social entrepreneur.

For the past six years he has been managing his social enterprise Vielfaltsprojekte GmbH with the aim of combating discrimination in our society and promoting diversity. He was appointed Professor of Social Sciences and Racism Research at EvH Bochum.

In 2021, he was a delegate speaker at the One Young World conference. He was also awarded the Best Teaching Award by Zeppelin University Friedrichshafen for his excellent teaching on theories of racism. (The image is copyrighted.)