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Nov 14, 2021Liked by David Lat

David, in reading your section on Dean Gerken, it’s difficult to avoid the conclusion that she places her own self-interest (her reappointment) over boldly securing the diverse academic aims of the institution as enunciated by Professor Amar, among others. If true, some might say this would disqualify her from reappointment. What am I missing?

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I really liked the article but I am disappointed that Mr. Austin didn't record his conversation like Mr. Colbert did so that there was an unambiguous record of what occurred in the meeting.

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Nov 14, 2021Liked by David Lat

Responding to your footnote (4) may I suggest that intellectual diversity should not be determined ideologically, i.e. "conservative" or "libertarian". Such partisan distinctions have become so fraught that our system of justice seems to be losing its way. A much more interesting form of intellectual diversity would focus on distinct theories of law and jurisprudence.

Anyone who is curious about a taxonomy of such legal theories may enjoy the excellent book by Peter Suber, The Case of the Speluncean Explorers, Nine New Opinions.

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