"I feel we've been locked into stereo-types...[my] book is an effort to respond to the challenge," Guinier said.

Clark insisted that the failed nomination had nothing to do with Guinier's appointment at the Law School.

"Most of us [at the Law School] thought it was unfortunate...that she got a bum rap, papers hadn't read her work," he said.

Guinier said her involvement with racial issues was actually only a part of a wide array of interests, which also includedemocratic theory, and legal education.

"I'm not only interested in issues of race andjustice. I'm not just here on a crusade," Guiniersaid.

Still, Guinier's appointment did highlight anincreasing effort by the Law School to increaseracial diversity among its faculty.

"I...expect [Guinier's] appointment will helpthe school to attract other top scholars ofdiverse backgrounds, including more women ofcolor," said Clark in a news release.

When asked about his comment later, Clark saidhe could not give out the names of other prominentminority scholars under consideration. But he saidhe hoped Guinier's presence would increase theattractiveness of the Law School community toother minority scholars.

"The fact that she adds to our diversity is astrong plus...We're always looking for goodpeople, especially with a diverse background," hesaid