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To accuse new universities of "bureaucratic practice" as Frank Furedi does ("Why I believe new universities mean lower academic standards", THES , June 13) and to suggest that this has contributed to a lowering of standards betrays an ignorance about our work. We make no apology for offering courses that reflect today's world and for making our universities accessible to students from all backgrounds.

As with the old universities, our differing levels of research activity reflect the fact that we are a broad church. Any debate about the meaning of a university must acknowledge the importance of diversity of mission.

Colin Matheson
Chief executive
Coalition of Modern Universities