Document: 393 U.S. 97 89 S.Ct. 266 21 L.Ed.2d 228 Susan EPPERSON et al., Appellants,v.ARKANSAS. No. 7. Argued Oct. 16, 1968. Decided Nov. 12, Eugene R. Warren, Little Rock, Ark., for appellants. Don Langston, appellee. Mr. Justice FORTAS delivered the opinion of Court. I. 1 This appeal challenges constitutionality 'anti-evolution' statute which State Arkansas adopted in 1928 to prohibit teaching its public schools and universities theory that man evolved from other species life. The was a product upsurge 'fundamentalist' religious fervor twenties. an adaption famous Tennessee 'monkey law' 1925.1 law upheld by Supreme Court celebrated Scopes case 1927.2 2 makes it unlawful teacher any state-supported school or university 'to teach doctrine mankind ascended descended lower order animals,' adopt use such institution textbook teaches' this theory. Violation is misdemeanor subjects violator dismissal his position.3 3 present concerns biology high Rock. According testimony, until events here litigation, official furnished course did not have section on Darwinian Theory. Then, academic year 1965—1966, administration, recommendation teachers system, prescribed contained chapter setting forth 'the about origin * form animal.' Epperson, young woman who graduated Arkansas' system then obtained her master's degree zoology at University Illinois, employed Rock fall 1964 10th grade Central High School. At start next year, 1965, she confronted new (which one surmises record unwelcome her). She faced least literal dilemma because supposed classroom instruction presumably statutorily condemned chapter; but do so would be criminal offense subject dismissal. 4 instituted action Chancery State, seeking declaration void enjoining defendant officials dismissing violation statute's provisions. H. Blanchard, parent children attending schools, intervened support action. 5 Court, Chancellor Murray O. Reed, held violated Fourteenth Amendment United States Constitution.4 court noted encompasses prohibitions upon state interference with freedom speech thought are First Amendment. Accordingly, challenged unconstitutional because, Amendment, 'tends hinder quest knowledge, restrict learn, restrain teach.'5 In perspective, Act, held, restraint guaranteed Constitution. 6 On appeal, reversed.6 Its two-sentence set margin.7 It sustained as exercise State's power specify curriculum schools. address itself competing constitutional considerations. 7 Appeal duly prosecuted under 28 U.S.C. § 1257(2). Only Mississippi 'monkey' laws their books.8 There no prosecutions statute. possible presently more curiosity than vital fact life these States.9 Nevertheless, brought, right properly here, our duty decide issues presented. II. 8 outset, urged us vague uncertain therefore within condemnation Due Process Clause contention Act supported language brief That court, perhaps reflecting discomfort quixotic prohibition necessarily engenders modern mind,10 stated 'expressed opinion' whether prohibits 'explanation' evolution merely forbids 'teaching true.' Regardless uncertainty, constitutional. 9 hand, counsel oral argument candidly that, despite Court's equivocation, interpret mean make student aware just there theory' grounds prosecution statute; he said 'that should interpreted manner.' He said: 'If Mrs. Epperson tell students 'Here Darwin's theory, being,' I think liable prosecution.' 10 event, we rest decision asserted vagueness either interpretation language, cannot stand. moment deemed mention forbid all infinite varieties communication embraced term 'teaching.' Under interpretation, must stricken conflict respecting establishment religion prohibiting free thereof. overriding selects body knowledge particular segment proscribes sole reason doctrine; is, Book Genesis group.11 III. 11 antecedents today's many unmistakable. They rooted foundation soil Nation. fundamental freedom. 12 Government democracy, national, neutral matters doctrine, practice. may hostile advocacy noreligion; aid, foster, promote against another even militant opposite. mandates governmental neutrality between religion, nonreligion.12 13 As early 1872, 'The knows heresy, committed dogma, sect.' Watson v. Jones, Wall. 679, 728, 20 L.Ed. 666. has been great applied subtle problems ferment national presented Amendment's broad command. 14 Judicial interposition operation Nation raises requiring care restraint. Our courts, however, failed apply mandate educational where essential safeguard values inquiry belief. By large, education control local authorities. Courts intervene resolution conflicts arise daily systems directly sharply implicate basic values.13 '(t)he vigilant protection freedoms nowhere community American schools,' Shelton Tucker, 364 479, 487, 81 247, 251, 231 (1960). Keyishian Board Regents, 'does tolerate cast pall orthodoxy over classroom.' 385 589, 603, 87 675, 683, 17 629 (1967). 15 earliest cases impact guarantees were decided before expressly specific States. But 1923, hesitate condemn 'arbitrary' restrictions learn. McReynolds, Nebraska making crime English pupils had passed eighth grade.14 purpose enacting civic cohesiveness encouraging learning combat 'baneful effect' permitting foreigners near educate parents' native land. recognized purposes, acknowledged prescribe curriculum, adequate restriction liberty pupil. unconstitutionally interfered individual, Clause, engage common occupations acquire useful knowledge. Meyer Nebraska, 262 390, 43 625, 67 1042 (1923). See also Bartels Iowa, 404, 628, 1047 16 For purposes case, need re-enter difficult terrain traversed without apparent misgivings. We take advantage premise furnishes, nor explore implications terms justiciability multitude controversies beset campuses today. Today's problem capable narrower can doubt does permit require tailored principles sect dogma. Everson Education, upholding provide bus service children, including those parochial 'Neither (a Federal Government) pass aid religions, prefer another.' 330 1, 15, 504, 511, 91 711 (1947). 18 following Term People Ill. ex rel. McCollum 333 203, 68 461, 92 649 (1948), Illinois could release class attend classes buildings choice. This, said, involve using tax-supported property thereby breaching 'wall separation' which, according Jefferson, intended erect church state. Id., 211, S.Ct., 465. Engel Vitale, 370 421, 428, 82 1261, 1265, 601 (1962); Abington School District Schempp, 374 83 1560, 844 (1963). While study religions Bible literary historic viewpoint, objectively part secular program education, collide prohibition, programs practices colleges 'aid oppose' religion. 225, 1573. absolute. alike preference antagonistic Clark Joseph Burstyn, Inc. Wilson, legitimate interest protecting views distasteful them *.' 343 495, 505, 72 777, 782, 96 1098 (1952). test follows supra, 222, 1571: '(W)hat primary effect enactment? If advancement inhibition enactment exceeds scope legislative circumscribed Constitution.' 19 These precedents inevitably determine result case. undoubted carry prohibit, pain penalty, scientific based reasons violate much too late argue impose conditions chooses, however restrictive they guarantees. 605—606, 684—685, sought prevent discussing contrary belief some exclusive source man. No suggestion made justified considerations policy citizens.15 clear fundamentalist sectarian conviction law's existence.16 antecedent, Tennessee's law,' purpose: denies story Divine Creation taught Bible, instead animals.'17 Perhaps sensational publicity attendant trial induced less explicit language.18 eliminated reference man' motivation same: suppress thought, 'denied' divine creation defended act neutrality. seek excise curricula discussion effort confined attempt blot out Biblical account, literally read. Plainly, First, Fourteenth, 22 judgment reversed. 23 Reversed. 24 BLACK, concurring. 25 am means sure presents genuinely justiciable controversy. Although Initiated alleged unconstitutional, voters 1928, informed never single enforce it. And pallid, unenthusiastic, apologetic defense indicates remain books century. Now, nearly 40 years after slumbered though dead, alleging fear might arouse lethargy try punish asked declaratory holding unconstitutional. subsequently joined seeing two schoolage sons 'be theories hypotheses still teacher, fearful punishment know. be, published press, long since given up job moved distant city, escaping dangers imagined befall lifeless Act. iota concrete evidence show parent-intervenor's will evolution. includes entire dealing being freely intervenor's sons, old when suit brought three ago, yet biology. Unfortunately, languid prompted keep concerning facts easily justify lawsuit moot lacking qualities genuine 26 Notwithstanding my own doubts controversy, brushes aside leaps headlong into middle very involved federal intrusion powers what schoolbooks wish pupils. enter consideration sensitive state-federal relationships, reluctantly acquiesce. But, agreeing consider agree thrust Government's arm bit further curriculums requires. invalidate compelled give broader meaning willing opinion, entirety, that: 27 'Upon principal issue, constitutionality, holds Measure Ark.Stat.Ann. 80—1627 80—1628 (Repl.1960), valid state's expresses question explanation true; answer necessary issue having raised.' plain human development constitutionally quite different compels true only doctrine. eliminating higher mathematics, astronomy, curriculum. And, nothing else. treats book teaches true. arrogate statutes. Since highest deliberately refused meaning, presume so. 29 seems me situation strike down ground vagueness. construed know forbidden discuss refrains contending established rule leaves ordinary doubtful him first due process. See, e.g., Connally General Construction Co., 269 385, 391, 46 126, 127, 70 322 (1926). Holding follow long-standing avoid unto mark boundaries laws. important, place unenviable position violating principle leaving absolutely choose palpably 30 content unchallengeable vagueness, chooses rather Establishment Religion sweeping reasons, among others. 31 1. find statement 'there man.' people's motive best remove controversial schools; imagine why withdraw emotional consistently 'motives' behind passage improper; simply motives were. O'Brien, 391 367, 382—383, 88 1673, 1681—1682, 672 (1968). 32 2. A second arises forbidding exclude infringes anti-religious considered anti-religious, indicates, how bound Constitution advocate 'anti-religious' schoolchildren? cited supporting conclusion neutral, favoring view another. challenge Bible's creation; believe along others, indication included removal leave toward supposedly doctrines? Unless prepared write off pure nonsense far troublesome discussed opinion. 33 3. ready hold person hired takes sociological, economic, political, school's managers want discussed. rights 'while democratic society, everyone opinions beliefs express group time.' Cox Louisiana, 379 536, 554, 85 453, 464, 471; 559, 574, 476, 485 486, 487. certain, 'academic freedom' permits breach contractual agreement designated authorities him. 34 Certainly precisely like man, above challenge. criticized religionists scientists, scientist oath swear everything announced unquestionably me, serious mistake bypassing plain, reach troublesome, question. However wise become hereafter, sitting Washington, successfully supervise censor every hamlet city wisdom infallible. 35 enforce, remand clarification 36 HARLAN, 37 deplorable come opaque court. With respect, court's handling savors studied coming grips anachronistic 'pass buck' sort temporizing healthy operations judiciaries. Despite observations, claims raised below, matter avoided.* Chicago Life Insurance Co. Needles, 113 579, 681, 1084 (1885). 38 concur constitutes 'establishment religion' understand, finds length appellants' contentions interferes speech, conclude process deciding them, obscures otherwise straightforward holding, opens constrained disassociate myself. 39 STEWART, concurring result. most assuredly schools.' entirely free, example, foreign shall Spanish. letting languages spoken world? not. 41 thing biology' existence respected thought. kind law, think, clearly impinge applicable Fourteenth. 42 law. result, BLACK points out, 'a all.' all,' may, not, done invalid Cramp Pub. Instruction, 368 278, 275, 285. Chapter 27, Tenn.Acts. 1925; Tenn.Code Ann. 49—1922 (1966 Repl. Vol.). Tennessee, 154 Tenn. 105, 289 S.W. 363 (1927). reversed Scopes' jury judge assessed fine $100. longer employ, saw 'nothing gained prolonging bizarre case.' directed nolle prosequi entered, interests peace dignity state.' Tenn., 121, S.W., 367. Ark.Acts 1929; §§ 80 1627, (1960 text follows: 80—1627.—Doctrine ascent descent animals prohibited.—It instructor University, College, Normal, Public School, whole funds derived taxation commission, authority exercising select textbooks mentioned institutions animals. 80—1628.—Teaching adopting mentioning doctrine—Penalties—Positions vacated.—Any commissioner found guilty hereof, using, fined exceeding five hundred dollars; vacate thus character commission member.' officially reported. analyzed sister sustaining similar 1927 example. declined confine judicial horizon direction employer employees. astigmatism, ignore values, 'should followed,' proceeded confront substance effect. 242 Ark. 922, 416 S.W.2d 'Per Curiam. Upon (Repl. 1960), raised. decree cause dismissed. 'Ward, J., concurs. Brown, dissents. 'Paul Ward, Justice, sentence majority 'To mind, beclouds announcement sentence.' Miss.Code 6798, 6799 (1942). repealed 1967. Oklahoma enacted anti-evolution 1926. Florida Texas Legislatures, period 1921 1929, resolutions all, during period, bills introduced Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Gag Teaching (2d ed., 1937). Clarence Darrow, trial, biography 1932, somewhat sardonically pointed insist respects. 'I understand both continue earth round revolution axis brings day night, spite opposition.' Story My 247 (1932). Hofstadter & W. Metzger, Development Academic Freedom 324 (1955), refer opponents 'exhibiting phylogenetic snobbery led them) Darwin libeled (human) race discovering simian seraphic ancestors.' 363, 369 (1927), Judge Chambliss, concurring, referred gives 'preference' 'religious establishments tenets dogmas instantaneous 18, 513, (1947); rel (1948); Zorach Clauson, 306, 313—314, 683—684, 954 (1952); Fowler Rhode Island, 345 67, 73 526, 828 (1953); Torcaso Watkins, 367 488, 1680, 1683, 982 (1961). Developments Law—Academic Freedom, Harv.L.Rev. 1045, 1051—1055 reading German language' child years. Former Dean Leflar Law same ideological underlie enactment' typical blasphemy says statutes 'ideological' 'involves (by censorship) presentation intellectually significant contradicts accepted social, moral ideas.' Leflar, Legal Liability Exercise Free Speech, Ark.L.Rev. 155, 158 (1956). 320—366 (1955) (passim); Beale, History Schools 202—207 (1941); Emerson Haber, Case Modern Dress, U.Chi.L.Rev. 522 (1960); Waller, Constitutionality Anti-Evolution Yale L.J. 191 (1925) ACLU, 1937); J. Presley, Center Storm 45—53 advertisement used campaign secure adoption statute: 'THE BIBLE OR ATHEISM, WHICH? 'All atheists favor you atheism vote Shall conscientious members forced pay taxes undermine faith children? Gazette Russian Bolshevists laughed Tennessee. True, laugh Arkansas. Who cares? Vote FOR ACT NO. 1.' Gazette, 4, p. cols. 4—5. Letters expressed 'subversive Christianity,' id., 24, 7, col. 2; see 19, 4; disrespect Bible,' 5. One letter read: cosmogony (evolution) runs Moses Jesus, nothing, if anything atheism. Now let mothers fathers trying raise Christian bill tax When saved popular initiative supra. brief, mind. Brief Appellee Short 'establishment' contention, courts possesses plenary fix perceive tenable basis remanding explication unwilling ascribe approach adjudication. (ante, 101, n. 7) encompass overruling point, 'vagueness' claim.

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