Race case report

The article on the race cases at Brunel University ("Racism row reignited by v-c's remark", April 1) contained a number of significant factual errors and misled readers as to the intention of the quarterly report to staff.

First, contrary to the Association of University Teachers'

statement, costs were awarded to Brunel by the Employment Appeals Tribunal in the Webster case.

Second, the tribunal did not find as a matter of fact that a staff member used the term "Paki".

Third, at no time did Ms Webster receive racist emails.

In terms of the quarterly report to staff, it clearly states that Brunel will not tolerate discrimination of any kind, whether it is based on gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief. It reiterates the university's commitment to robust investigations of any complaint and that if discrimination is found, it respects everyone's right to bring claims of this nature.

The report also stresses the belief that Brunel's multicultural community is one of its real strengths - the university has great faith in this community and in Brunel's own continued, public commitment to equality and diversity.

Steven Schwartz
Vice-chancellor
Brunel University