No fear

By quoting statements from individuals who know nothing of the circumstances in which the University of Wales, Lampeter discontinued its accreditation arrangement with the European Institute of Human Sciences, your article "Muslims fear severing ties may fuel ill will" (August 19) gives credence to the incorrect statement that the decision was motivated by fear of adverse publicity. That is not the case. We discontinued accreditation on May 19 because of concerns about the performance of some of the students in assessments. This was six weeks before the London bombings.

We continue to offer degrees through our Centre for Islamic Studies, and we are in dialogue with Muslim groups about extending our accreditation arrangements. We support an education that respects the traditions of moderate Islamic thought provided that academic standards are safeguarded.

Robert Pearce
Vice-chancellor
University of Wales, Lampeter