The city of Erlangen is planning to examine the possibility of renaming Erwin-Rommel-Straße (Photo: Press office cz). The citizens affected by a possible renaming are also to be involved in the process. This was decided by the Culture and Leisure Committee at its meeting on May 14.
Not compatible with the self-image of an open, international science location
The background to this is the repeated criticism of the naming of the street from broad sections of the public. In particular, the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, the Studierendenwerk and the student representatives have suggested renaming the street. The street runs through the South Campus, where university facilities, a student residence and catering facilities are located. In the view of the city and the university, the name Erwin Rommel, a propaganda icon of the Nazi regime of injustice, is not compatible with the self-image of an open, international science location.
Local residents will be involved
In the next step, the city administration was commissioned to examine the renaming of Erwin Rommel streets in principle, independently of an overall review of all Erlangen street names. Part of this process also involves the participation
- the local residents
- the owners of the affected properties and
- the district advisory council
probably in the fall. Based on the feedback, the administration will then submit a recommendation to the city council on how to proceed.