Racism clarification

I am writing to correct the impression given in the article "Pay plan 'will stifle' academic freedom" (March 11) that the Oxford University's Student Union is accusing Auckland University of having a "severe problem" with racism.

The "severe problem" mentioned in our response to Oxford's Academic Strategy Green Paper was racism, but not in any specific institution, nor to any specific extent.

The Auckland reference was to illustrate the point that universities that have very quickly expanded their international student population have, it appears, experienced some problems of cohesion, but it was not intended to suggest that this problem was unique to, or more serious at, Auckland.

The union apologises for any confusion or upset the wording of this section of our response caused.

John Blake
President
Oxford University Student Union