Mrs Smith's highly unoriginal attack on York's students (Letters, September 3) is a far cry from the truth.
As the principal of York St John College stated earlier this year, York's student community adds to the vibrancy of the city.
Most students have a natural respect for the city and its 'native' residents and the relationship built up between students and 'natives' is often an enjoyable aspect of student life.
Mrs Smith's reference to "these people" is offensive and undermines the efforts of the students to build up a positive relationship with the city's residents.
Whilst Mrs Smith may well have had some problems with her student neighbours, there are probably as many nuisance neighbours in York that are not students as are.
Mrs Smith urges the university to accommodate all students on campus; much like a prison, presumably. Given that the university is celebrating its 40th anniversary, Mrs Smith is a little late in launching her anti-students campaign.
Having been a student in York for three years, I am confident that Mrs Smith's campaign will be very much one of the minority.
Rory Palmer,
Goodricke College,
York University.
Updated: 11:23 Saturday, September 06, 2003
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