I worry sometimes about how low the intelligence must be of those who state that 'colour' must be one of the leading criteria for admission to universities (Oxford Mail, November 15).

Universities are for the expansion of learning and intelligence and the discovery of new knowledge and its promulgation.

The criteria for selecting a pupil must be ability and potential.

Whether he or she is black, white, pink or khaki should have no influence, neither should sex.

Can you imagine the interviewer, with a candidate in front of him, asking the question: "I think he is just short of the standard required, but because he is black and I am short of the black percentage required, should I let him in in any case?"

Surely when the case is indeed acceptable, the attitude should be: "He completely meets the standards and therefore in no way will his blackness stop me from recommending his entry."

Being 'black' should not be an extra draw for getting you in, nor an extra reason for keeping you out.

It should not exist in the criteria.

Imagine, too, if the black criterion was imposed, the possible deleterious effect it might have for years on the thoughts constantly recurring in a nice black lad's head: "Did I get in because I was good enough, or just because I was black? Does this allow me to apply for -?"

I am not a racist. My very best friend in this world is a Tanzanian African peasant. I say it simply just as a correct factual appreciation.

Nevertheless, it would be unfair not to take into account that where any organisation depends on another (such as Government) for financial or other support, there is bound to be a little prejudice in that direction.

I am happily assured, though, that such prejudice and its risks are carefully guarded against by most universities - particularly Oxford University.

Universities are universities - not political amusement arcades.

JOHN COLLINSON Sturt Close Charlbury