As Clarence Thomas faces the start of Senate confirmation hearings today, student groups are offering diverging opinions about the controversial U.S. Supreme Court nominee.

"A judge is supposed to be fair," said Kristen Eisenbraun, co-director of Penn State Pro-Choice. "I just don't think he is fair."

Thomas, nominated by President Bush this summer, has been regarded as a minority opposed to minority rights -- especially the reproductive rights of women. Accusations of "minority planting" have highlighted news coverage as the hearings approach.

Opinions vary as to whether Thomas would be a positive addition to the nation's highest court.

"He would make a good justice," said Kristen Bernath, Penn State Students for Life president. "I think that Thomas will probably be the one to overturn Roe v. Wade."

Bernath said Bush has made a good choice and that Thomas will probably be appointed to the court.

But Erin O'Leary, representative of Womyn's Concerns, disagrees.

"Bush has put a lot of people in a strange position by nominating a minority who doesn't necessarily seem to support minority issues," O'Leary said.

September Myers, National Pan-Hellenic co-chair, said she is pleased to see black representation on the court, but added she disagrees with Thomas' views on affirmative action and minority rights.

"I'm afraid it might just be another one of Bush's token black nominations," Myers said. "It is unfortunate, but he will probably be appointed."

Many pro-choice activists oppose Thomas because he is basically against the women's reproductive rights, Eisenbraun said, adding that she doesn't expect him to be appointed to the court.

Penn State Pro-Choice is planning to start a letter-writing campaign next week in opposition of Thomas, she added.