Document: 544 U.S. 167 JACKSONv.BIRMINGHAM BOARD OF EDUCATION No. 02-1672. Supreme Court of United States. Argued November 30, 2004. Decided March 29, 2005. After petitioner, the girls' basketball coach at a public high school, discovered that his team was not receiving equal funding and access to athletic equipment facilities, he complained unsuccessfully supervisors. He then received negative work evaluations ultimately removed as coach. brought this suit alleging respondent school board (Board) had retaliated against him because about sex discrimination in school's program, such retaliation violated Title IX Education Amendments 1972, 20 U. S. C. § 1681(a), which provides "[n]o person ... shall, on basis sex, be subjected under any education program Federal financial assistance." The District dismissed complaint ground IX's private cause action does include claims retaliation, Eleventh Circuit agreed affirmed. appeals court also concluded that, Alexander v. Sandoval, 532 275, Department Education's regulation expressly prohibiting create action, even if prohibits petitioner is within class persons statute protects. Held: right encompasses an individual has discrimination. Pp. 173-184. (a) When recipient retaliates complains discrimination, constitutes intentional "discrimination" "on sex," violation IX. This held implies enforce its prohibition Cannon University Chicago, 441 677, 690-693, includes actions for monetary damages by persons, Franklin Gwinnett County Public Schools, 503 60, form recipient's deliberate indifference sexual harassment student teacher, Gebser Lago Vista Independent School Dist., 524 274, 290-291, or another student, Davis Monroe Bd. Ed., 526 629, 642. In all these cases, relied broad language from intentionally subjecting sex." Retaliation is, definition, act. It complainant differential treatment. Moreover, it sex" response nature complaint: allegation Circuit's conclusion prohibit silent subject ignores import Court's repeated holdings construing broadly conduct, harassment, mention. fact VII Civil Rights Act 1964 limited use with respect vastly different statute, details conduct prohibited Because Congress did list specific discriminatory practices IX, failure mention one practice says nothing whether intended covered. Congress' enactment just three years after Sullivan Little Hunting Park, Inc., 396 229 — interpreted 42 1982's general racial white man advocating rights blacks realistic presuming expected conformity Sullivan. 173-177. (b) Board cannot rely holding supra, 285, VI itself only parties could obtain redress disparate-impact based Justice Department's regulations federal recipients adopting policies impact. Citing regulation, contends Jackson, like Sandoval petitioners, seeks impermissible extension when argues retaliation. argument, however, entirely misses point. here all, text contains necessary prohibition: who speaks out statute's meaning. 177-178. (c) Nor convinced Board's argument Jackson entitled invoke "indirect victi[m]" worded; require victim original complaint. Where occurs requirement satisfied. himself regardless Cf. Sullivan, 237. enacted prevent dollars support practices, but "to provide citizens effective protection those practices." Cannon, 704. objective would difficult achieve complaining have 179-181. (d) can principle exercise Spending Clause powers, available adequate notice liable issue, see, e. g., Pennhurst State Hospital Halderman, 451 1, 17. preclude where, here, engages acts clearly violate See, Davis, should been put cases since consistently encompass diverse forms discrimination; itself, violates clear statutory terms, S., 642; implementing books nearly 30 years; Courts Appeals considered question time issue covers realistically supposed given context, remained free retaliate reported id., 644. 181-184. (e) To prevail merits, will prove At present stage, prevail, offer evidence claims. P. 184. 309 F. 3d 1333, reversed remanded. O'CONNOR, J., delivered opinion Court, STEVENS, SOUTER, GINSBURG, BREYER, JJ., joined. THOMAS, filed dissenting opinion, REHNQUIST, SCALIA KENNEDY, joined, post, p. 1 CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT APPEALS FOR ELEVENTH CIRCUIT. 2 Walter Dellinger argued petitioner. With briefs were Marcia D. Greenberger, Jocelyn Samuels, Dina R. Lassow, Matthew Roberts, Pamela A. Harris. 3 Irving L. Gornstein States amicus curiae urging reversal. brief Acting Solicitor General Clement, Assistant Attorney Acosta, Dennis J. Dimsey, Linda Thome. 4 Kenneth Thomas respondent. Valerie Acoff. 5 Kevin Newsom, Alabama, Alabama et al. amici affirmance. Troy King, General, Attorneys their respective follows: M. Jane Brady Delaware, Mark Bennett Hawaii, Brian Nevada, Hardy Myers Oregon, Lawrence E. Long South Dakota, Paul G. Summers Tennessee, Shurtleff Utah, Jerry W. Kilgore Virginia.* 6 JUSTICE O'CONNOR Court. 7 Roderick teacher Birmingham, schools, Birmingham program. claimed Pub. 92-318, 86 Stat. 373, amended, 1681 seq. Jackson's 1333 (2002). We consider implied hold where 8 * claim Rule Procedure 12(b)(6) state upon relief granted, "we must assume truth material facts alleged complaint." Summit Health, Ltd. Pinhas, 500 322, 325 (1991). 9 According complaint, employee district over 10 years. 1993, hired serve physical transferred Ensley High August 1999. Ensley, facilities. lack funding, equipment, facilities made do job team's December 2000, began supervisors unequal treatment team, no avail. complaints went unanswered, failed remedy situation. Instead, receive May 2001. still employed longer receives supplemental pay coaching. 11 terminated coaching duties, Northern Alabama. alleged, among other things, retaliating protesting team. Amended Complaint 2-3, App. 10-11. moved dismiss granted motion dismiss. 12 assumed, purposes appeal, violations. reasoning "[n]othing indicates congressional concern might visited complain violations." Id., 1344. Relying our decision 275 (2001), retaliation: "Because created through harms resulting [the regulation] may read either." 3d, 1346. Finally, protected statute. 13 certiorari, 542 903 (2004), resolve conflict Circuits Compare Lowrey Texas A & M Univ. System, 117 242, 252 (CA5 1997) ("[T]itle affords retaliation"); Preston Virginia ex rel. New River Community College, 31 203, 206 (CA4 1994) (same), case below, supra. II 14 funding. excluded participation in, denied benefits of, activity 1681(a). More than 25 ago, 690-693 (1979), we subsequent defined contours action. 60 (1992), authorizes seek violations teacher's 290-291 (1998), 642 (1999). 15 which, narrow exceptions 1681. encompassed being See generally Olmstead C., 527 581, 614 (1999) (KENNEDY, concurring judgment) (the "normal definition discrimination" "differential treatment"); see Newport News Shipbuilding Dry Dock Co. EEOC, 462 669, 682, n. 22 (1983) (discrimination means "less favorable" treatment). conclude 16 Appeals' "statute makes retaliation," 1344, broadly. Though Franklin, 74-75; 75 (noting Meritor Savings Bank, FSB Vinson, 477 57, 64 (1986), "`when supervisor sexually harasses subordinate subordinate's "discriminate[s]" sex,'" "the same rule apply student"). Thus, "violate[s] plain terms." 643 (citing Gebser, 290-291). Likewise, squarely 643; 650 ("Having previously determined `sexual harassment' `discrimination' are constrained student-on-student sufficiently severe, likewise rise level actionable statute"). "Discrimination" term wide range treatment; using term, gave reach. North Haven Ed. Bell, 456 512, 521 (1982) (Courts "`must accord'" "`a sweep language'"). 17 certainly mentioned expressly, 704 1964, 78 257, 109, 2000e-3(a) (providing "unlawful employment practice" employer "opposed unlawful [Title VII], charge, testified, assisted, participated manner investigation, proceeding, hearing VII]"). VII, 283-284, 286-287, comparison urges us draw therefore use. implied, while VII's express. 283-284. written followed specific, prohibition. By contrast, spells greater detail §§ 2000e-2 (giving examples practices), 2000e-3 (prohibiting "[o]ther practices," including "[d]iscrimination" retaliation; "[p]rinting publication notices advertisements indicating preference ..."). wrote tell anything 18 (1969). Rev. 1978, U.S.C. 1982, "[a]ll shall enjoyed inherit, purchase, lease, sell, hold, convey real personal property," spoke toward tenants suffered result. rented house black assigned membership share park. corporation owned park approve assignment lessee. protested, expelling taking shares. sued corporation, upheld Sullivan's 1982 "[retaliation] advocacy person's] cause." cover advocate groups prohibition.1 19 decided, accordingly valuable context understanding As recognized "it appropriate presume thoroughly familiar [Sullivan] [of IX] [it]." 699; 698, 22. behalf lessee race. B compels involved interpretation 252, 2000d seq., 601 race, color, national origin, activity" covered VI. 2000d. Section 602 agencies effectuate provisions enacting regulations. Pursuant authority, promulgated effect individuals origin." 28 CFR 42.104(b)(2) petitioners enjoin English-only policy Safety grounds disparately impacted non-English speakers assumed themselves valid, 281, rejected contention suits so "[i]t simply they indeed forbid permits regulations." 285. Central Bank Denver, N. First Interstate A., 511 164, 173 (1994) (A "private plaintiff bring [suit defendant statute]"). 21 cites "against purpose interfering privilege secured IX]," 34 100.7(e) (2004) (incorporated reference 106.71), "impermissible statute" Brief Respondent 45. extending beyond limits; indeed, explain above, 174-175, reach result text. step falls sex.2 C 33. If provided instead "no individual's agree Board. 2000e-2(a)(1) ("It discriminate religion, origin" (emphasis added)). However, limitation. complaint.3 176-177, consistent formed important part backdrop extend oppose others. 237 (holding show "punished trying vindicate minorities"). 23 "would difficult, impossible, retaliation." Amicus Curiae 13. permitted freely, witness loath report it, go unremedied without underlying perpetuated). 24 Reporting incidents integral enforcement discouraged unpunished. Indeed, prohibited, scheme unravel. Recall harassment. 629. Accordingly, principal indifferent, likely violation. 274. But claims, recourse subsequently fired speaking out. Without short circuited, unremedied. depends reporting unless "actual notice" 288, 289-290 official actual knowledge respond before party suit); 1682 agency terminate "has advised comply compliance voluntary means"). able avoid dare complain, subverted. left gap scheme. 26 teachers coaches often best position students better identify attention administrators. sometimes adult employees adversar[ies]'" schools. ("[A] owner times `the adversary' restrictive covenant" Barrows 346 249, 259 (1953))). D 27 correct pointing powers Clause, 640; 287; U.S., 74-75, 8, issue," 640. enacts legislation spending power, "in contract: return funds, federally imposed conditions." (1981). recognized, "[t]here knowing acceptance terms contract] unaware conditions [imposed receipt funds]." Ibid. insists interpret disagree. Funding 1979, decided Cannon. 29 pose obstacle student's another, constituted sex. 650. ("Congress surely intend moneys expended sought proscribe"). Similarly, student. 287-288. acknowledged damages. 287. emphasized "this limitation bar liability statute." 74-75). ibid. ("[T]he [Pennhurst] problem arise this, alleged"); Kentucky Dept. 470 656, 665-666 (1985) there sufficient some placed stating need "specifically identif[y] proscrib[e]" each condition legislation). Simply put, "Pennhurst presents easier indifference. easily attributable recipient, always intentional. "intentional statute," 642, supplied Cf., regulatory long certain nonagents"). importantly, already Lowrey, 252; Preston, 206. 644 (stating common law torts schools responsible protect tortious third parties"). reasonable realize institutions up 32 amended alleges supervisor, Ms. Evelyn Baugh, School. stage proceedings, "[t]he claimant claims." Scheuer Rhodes, 416 232, 236 (1974). judgment reversed, remanded further proceedings opinion. 33 ordered. Notes: Briefs ofamici reversal American Bar Association Robert Grey, Jr., Nancy Perkins, Kristen Galles; Leadership Conference Seitz, Steven Shapiro, Lenora Lapidus; National Jeremiah Collins, Alice O'Brien, David Rabban, Donna Euben, Ann Springer; Partnership Women Families Caroline Brown; York Lawyers Interest Jeffrey Lamken, Macey Reasoner Stokes, Richard Cohen, Rhonda Brownstein; Birch Bayh John Cooney, Margaret Strand, O. Faley. affirmance Eagle Forum Legal Defense Fund Andrew Schlafly; Boards Julie Underwood Naomi Gittins; Wrestling Coaches Joseph; Pacific Foundation H. Findley. College Sports Council Mr. Women's Hogshead-Makar Howard Rubin. THOMAS thatSullivan merely standing assert Post, 194 (dissenting opinion). limited. plainly maintain own minorities." plaintiffs statutePost, 193 10b-5 10(b)"). ways regard reading "extending expands people protects specified beneficiaries."Post, beneficiaries Because, suffer following hypothetical, offered oral illustrates point: male captain boys' female together approach them both honor society, captains "discriminated" Tr. Oral Arg. 53-54. whom CHIEF JUSTICE, SCALIA, KENNEDY join, dissenting. 35 holds 677 extends Its contrary retaliatory speak unambiguously imposing power. And, asserts evince intent 901 meets none requirements. I respectfully dissent. 36 States, 901's refer Consequently, not. 37 901, natural meaning phrase plaintiff's person. Leocal Ashcroft, 543 ("When interpreting give words ordinary meaning" (internal quotation marks omitted)). For example, suppose sexist air traffic controller withheld landing permission plane pilot woman. While doubt adversely passengers aboard plane, never say discriminated controller's 38 usage confirms commonsense conclusion. Even used shorthand Specifically, ensuring reached pregnancy, `because sex' `on include, to, childbirth related medical 2000e(k); cf. California Fed. Sav. Loan Assn. Guerra, 479 272, 277 (1987) (describing how specify included pregnancy). provision "because suggesting phrases interchangeably. 2000e-2(a)(1). sex.'" uses 39 claimant's Burke, 504 229, 239 (1992); (1986). disparate-treatment "actually played role decisionmaking] process determinative influence outcome," Hazen Paper Biggins, 507 604, 610 (1993). Teamsters 431 324, 335, (1977) ("`Disparate treatment' most understood type treats less favorably others [other trait]"). 40 assertion Educaton fails allege sense. role, let alone decisive predominant one, relieve position. avers sometime complaints, lost best, then, founded attenuated connection between adverse treatment, it. 41 lawsuit differs fundamentally Ante, 174-175. suffers her someone else's. Cases reaches vicarious inapposite here. 641-649 (1999); (1998); (1992). fact, virtually every addressed concerned recover 633-635; Collegiate Athletic Smith, 525 459, 277-279; 63-64; Mississippi Hogan, 458 718, 721 (1982); 517-518 680. Again, claim. lacks requires. reprisal occurred. feature surprising, complained-of happened. Although question, requires more reasonable, good-faith belief occurred claim.1 said anyone's succeed ever took place. 43 majority fundamental characteristics sole justification statement "retaliation discrimination." 174.2 sex-based topic overcome much complainer's officials dismantling men's swimming honestly reasonably, incorrectly, believes occurring fired, prevail. Yet, expressed short, 44 bottom, concedes, aids enforcing separate distinct right. Petitioner relationship bears "primary discrimination"). contexts, direct primary serves prophylactic measure guard Crawford-El Britton, 523 574, 588, (1998) ("The reason why offends Constitution threatens inhibit [the] right").3 explained prohibition, "a antiretaliation provisions" "[m]aintaining unfettered remedial mechanisms." Robinson Shell Oil Co., 519 337, (1997). describe conflate mechanism something warrant. 45 significant. contrast address addition 2000e-3(a). similar shows authorize actions. difference dismissed, suggests, proscribed particular opposed 175. prohibitions courts implying 46 apart statutes. 12203(a) (Americans Disabilities 1990); 623(d) (Age Discrimination Employment 1967). explicit statutes, well superfluous eschew interpretation. explanation intends so. 176-177 (1994). telling. 47 inconsistent two lines precedent: Our voice imposes power refusal imply evident. 48 acknowledges, pursuant 181 8); Const., Art. cl. 1. repeatedly obligations clear. Such contract" recipients' contract "voluntar[y] knowin[g]." (1981); Barnes Gorman, 536 181, 186 knowing, "have potential liability." 641. "[i]n legislation, `insis[t] voice,'" 640 (quoting Pennhurst, 17), "unambiguously," ibid.; Gonzaga Doe, 273, 280 (2002); Barnes, 186. 49 casts aside principle. explained, 185-190, analysis least, points say: "`[N]o 179 original). puts backwards. them. majority's ambiguity statute; yet resolved favor aware accept funds thereby assume. 50 183. "diverse discrimination"; vicariously committed teachers. 277; 633. There Savings, ("Without `discriminate[s]' sex"). These hardly loomed. 51 important, rationale untethers Board, recipients, now linked matter link impose That proscribing administrative answer, ante, 183, conduct. Rather requiring clarity Congress, clairvoyance recipients. 52 contradicts standard set causes Whether supplies Touche Ross Redington, 442 560, 568 (1979). examine creates "must phrased benefited." Gonzaga, 284 omitted); Bankshares, Inc. Sandberg, 501 1083, 1102, 1103 And inquiry people, us. "`to remedies make purpose' what into law. 287 (2001) I. Case Borak, 377 426, 433 (1964)); 1102; 578. evinces us, 53 principles equally found attempts expand applies. 1102. specifically, creation ancillary 10(b) Securities Exchange 1934, 891, 78j, civil aid abet engaging manipulative deceptive though respondents urged fulfill deceit securities marketplace. 177, 188. declined 10(b). view, potentially aiders abettors, full scope aiding abetting extended 176. surveyed statutes "Congress knew chose so." 176-177. view confirmed "element critical recovery" fraudulent required proving aided abetted persons. 180. 54 reasons militate instances Supra, 185-187. beneficiaries. absence find instructive explicitly. prevailing elements 55 reliance (1969), wholly misplaced. lessor 1982. ("[T]here action" 249 (1953), case)).4 third-party lessee, necessarily demonstrate forming actually recognizing claim, new secondary holder, event, Thirteenth Amendment Jones Alfred Mayer 392 409, 437-438 (1968), States' liability. III 56 establishes designed encourage whistleblowing holding. offers Nothing prevents parents inequality 63 (student 633 (suit minor's parent). Under reasoning, they, rather fit. idle worry. next closely associated complainer, Equal Opportunity Commission, Compliance Manual 8-II, 8-10 ("[I]t spouse, employee, EEOC charge"). 57 crafting additional mechanism, returns days whole cloth vision purpose. doing so, substitutes judgments bargains struck reflected good policy. 177. See,e. Higgins Balance Shoe, 262 (CA1 1999); Gregory Daly, 243 687, 701 (CA2 2001); Aman Cort Furniture Rental Corp., 85 1074, 1085 (CA3 1996); Byers Dallas Morning News, 209 419, 428 2000); Johnson Cincinnati, 215 561, 579-580 (CA6 Talanda KFC Nat. Management 140 1090, 1096 (CA7 1998); HBE 135 543, 554 (CA8 Moore Inst. Technology Jet Propulsion Lab., 838, 845, (CA9 2002); Crumpacker Kansas Human Resources, 338 1163, 1171 (CA10 2003); Meeks Computer Assoc. Int'l, 1013, 1021 (CA11 1994); Parker Baltimore Ohio 652 2d 1012, 1019-1020 (CADC 1981); Clark Dist. Breeden, 268, 271-272 (per curiam) (where believed incident violating claim). Tellingly, adopt argument. "[b]ut complained, [not] [coaching] position." 8. "but for" chain exposes faulty premise first causation "discrimination thing. articulated counsel exist alsoGreat Novotny, 366, 387 (1979) (White, dissenting) ("Clearly, respondent's 704(a) efforts asserting implicated [this] 1985(3), women provides: "All right, Territory, thereof property."

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