Attempts to justify the visitor's role (Letters, THES, October 1) miss the point. There are just two crucial issues. Through an accident of history, students are subject to different legal paths at universities; and the Human Rights Act poses an enormous question mark over the legitimacy of the visitor.
We must recognise these facts and address the issues raised, which include equality of treatment, speedy resolution of disputes and the changing relationship between student and university.
Tim Birtwistle School of law Leeds Metropolitan University