The subject will not only be banned at state universities but also private institutions.

The state-run Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) launched a gender studies masters course last autumn.

CEU issued a statement decrying the decree. “This is a major infringement on academic freedom and university autonomy,” it said.

“Gender studies is an internationally recognized academic field, which produces socially relevant knowledge, and which has been taught at CEU for well over two decades.

Eliminating this program will be a significant loss to the Hungarian scholarly community and for democratically-minded public policy makers.

“CEU will continue teaching and research in this field via its US accredited MA and PhD programs,” the statement added.

Students who have commenced their studies will be allowed to complete the courses.

A gender equality index published in September ranked Hungary 27th out of the 28 EU member states, 444 observes.

Related article:
Local Opinion: Gender Studies Ban Seen As A Misunderstanding