Document: 524 U.S. 274118 S.Ct. 1989141 L.Ed.2d 277 Alida Star GEBSER and Jean McCullough, Petitioners,v.LAGO VISTA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT. No. 96-1866. Supreme Court of the United States Argued March 25, 1998. Decided June 22, Syllabus * Petitioner Gebser, a high school student in respondent Lago Vista Independent School District, had sexual relationship with one her teachers. She did not report to officials. After couple was discovered having sex teacher arrested, terminated his employment. During this time, district distributed an official grievance procedure for lodging harassment complaints or formal antiharassment policy, as required by federal regulations. Petitioners filed suit raising, among other things, claim damages against under Title IX Education Amendments 1972, which provides pertinent part that person cannot "be subjected discrimination any education program activity receiving Federal financial assistance,'' 20 U.S.C. §1681(a). The District granted summary judgment. In affirming, Fifth Circuit held districts are liable teacher-student unless employee supervisory power over offending actually knew abuse, end it, failed do so, ruled petitioners could satisfy standard. Held: Damages may be recovered implied private action who at minimum has authority institute corrective measures on district's behalf actual notice of, is deliberately indifferent to, teacher's misconduct. Pp. ____-____. (a) express statutory means enforcing administrative, statute directs agencies distribute funding establish requirements furtherance nondiscrimination mandate allows enforce those requirements, including ultimately suspending terminating funding. Cannon v. University Chicago, 441 677, 99 1946, 60 560, also enforceable through right action. Franklin Gwinnett County Public Schools, 503 60, 112 1028, 117 208, established monetary available such action, but made no effort delimit circumstances remedy should lie. Petitioners, relying standards developed context VII, contend based principles respondeat superior constructive notice, i.e., without officials programs. Whether educational institution can said violate been resolved Court's decisions. case, moreover, seek theories notice. Unlike IX, VII contains cause remedy. IX's judicially implied, however, so legislative expression scope remedies. (b) Because must infer how Congress would have addressed issue expressly included IX. It does appear contemplated unlimited recipient unaware its When enacted, principal civil rights statutes containing allow damages, when amended limited amount recoverable individual case. modeled after VI Civil Rights Act 1964, prohibits race programs funds. Both condition recipient's promise discriminate, what amounts essentially contract between Government recipient. contrast, framed outright prohibition. contractual nature implications construction conditions award funds spending power, closely examines propriety actions holding recipients violating condition. sensible assume envision liability where discrimination. important clues Congress' intent. enforcement requires opportunity voluntary compliance before administrative proceedings commence. presumable purpose avoid diverting from beneficial uses willing prompt measures. Allowing recovery cases odds basic objective, attach even though knowledge conduct take harassment. unsound statute's system require comply while permits substantial liability-including potentially exceeding level-without regard either requirement. (c) Absent further direction Congress, fashioned along same lines remedial scheme. Thus, will lie address alleged fails adequately respond. Moreover, response deliberate indifference discrimination, line premise scheme decision violation. Applying framework case fairly straightforward, they prevail Vista's failure regulations requiring it promulgate publicize effective policy claims requisite indifference, itself constitute violation 106 F.3d 1223, affirmed. O'CONNOR, J., delivered opinion Court, REHNQUIST, C.J., SCALIA, KENNEDY, THOMAS, JJ., joined. STEVENS, dissenting opinion, SOUTER, GINSBURG, AND BREYER, SOUTER Terry L. Weldon, Austin, TX, petitioner. Beth Ann Brinkmann, Washington, DC, amicus curiae special leave Court. Wallace B. Jefferson, San Antonio, respondent. Justice O'CONNOR 1 question 86 Stat. 373, amended, §1681 et seq. (Title IX), We conclude 2 spring 1991, petitioner Gebser eighth-grade middle (Lago Vista), she joined book discussion group led Frank Waldrop, school. received all times. sessions, Waldrop often sexually suggestive comments students. entered fall assigned classes taught both semesters. continued make inappropriate remarks students, he began direct more toward during time two were alone classroom. He initiated contact spring, when, visiting home ostensibly give book, kissed fondled her. intercourse number occasions remainder year. Their summer into following year, class although never property. 3 officials, testifying realized Waldrop's improper, uncertain react wanted continue him teacher. October 1992, parents students complained about class. arranged meeting, which, according principal, indicated believe offensive apologized happen again. advised careful classroom told guidance counselor parents' complaint superintendent, coordinator. A months later, January 1993, police officer engaging arrested Waldrop. employment, subsequently, Texas Agency revoked teaching license. promulgated complaints; nor issued anti-harassment policy. 4 mother state court November raising Rev. §1979, 42 §1983, negligence law, primarily law. They sought compensatory punitive defendants. removed, Western judgment favor claims, remanded allegations court. rejecting district, reasoned "was enacted counter policies . federally funded programs,'' " [o]nly if administrators some type gender fail respond good faith interpreted district.'' App. Pet. Cert. 6a-7a. Here, determined, concerning only evidence inadequate raise genuine whether involved student. 5 appealed claim. Appeals affirmed, Doe Dist., 1223 (1997), large recent decisions, Rosa H. Elizario 648 (C.A.5 1997), Canutillo Dist. Leija, 101 393 1996), cert. denied, 520 ----, 2434, 138 195 (1997). first declined impose strict student, reiterating conclusion Leija inconsistent "the contract.'' F.3d, 1225 (internal quotation marks omitted). then determined basis finding there insufficient suggest known Gebser. Ibid. Finally, refused invoke common law principle holds employer vicariously "aided accomplishing [a] tort existence agency relation,'' Restatement (Second) §219(2)(d) (1957) (hereinafter Restatement), explaining application result every 1225-1226. 6 concluded analysis reaffirming that, "school invested board so,'' 1226, ruling Circuit's represents varying approaches adopted Courts assessing See Smith Metropolitan Perry Twp., 128 1014 (C.A.7 1997); Kracunas Iona College, 119 80 (C.A.2 Claiborne County, 103 495, 513-515 (C.A.6 1996); Kinman Omaha 94 463, 469 (C.A.8 1996). certiorari issue, 522 118 595, 139 431 we now affirm. II 7 [n]o shall, sex, excluded participation in, denied benefits assistance.'' administrative: effectuate mandate, "any authorized law,'' termination §1682. 560 (1979), revisit here. subsequently 208 (1992), 8 Franklin, abused repeated teachers took point dissuading initiating charges. id., 63-64, S.Ct., 1031-1032. lower courts dismissed Franklin's ground categorical matter, encompass damages. reversed courts' blanket rule, concluding supports least "in this, intentional alleged.'' 74-75, 2884-2885. thereby establishes involving student; decision, purport define contours liability. 9 face squarely curiae, used supervisor's workplace. support approach, passage stated: "Unquestionably, placed Schools duty discriminate "when supervisor harasses subordinate because subordinate's "discriminate[s]'' sex.' Meritor Sav. Bank, FSB Vinson, 477 57, 64, 2399, 2404, 91 49 (1986). rule apply abuses student.'' supra, 75, 1037. Savings (1986), look common-law employer's supervisor. 72, 2408. submit light comparison supervisor-employee harassment, likewise actions. 10 Specifically, advance possible conduct. First, 1997 "Policy Guidance'' Department Education, hold ""aided carrying out position institution,''' irrespective their upon becoming aware. Brief 36 (quoting Dept. Office Rights, Sexual Harassment Policy Guidance, 62 Fed.Reg. 12034, 12039 (1997) (1997 Guidance)); Amicus Curiae 14. That liability, vicarious imputed see §219(2)(d), generally follow whenever facilitates Second, theory "should known'' uncover eliminate it. 28; 15-16; §219(2)(b). broader range situations than Appeals, hinges 11 institutions solely citation Meritor. reference general proposition Oncale Sundowner Offshore Services, Inc., 523 998, 1002-1003, 140 201 (1998), dispute fact, necessarily turn stop U.S., Meritor's rationale guide inquiry rests aspect found IX: prohibition employment runs "an employer,'' §2000e-2(a), explicitly defines "employer'' include agent,'' §2000e(b). Meritor, comparable institution's "agents,'' call principles. 12 just recover our view, most critical resolving §2000e-5(f), specifically relief form §1981a. therefore directly subject set particular well maximum recoverable. §1981a(b). With respect Cannon, 717, 1968, thus remedies, appropriate addition, presumption e.g., Bell Hood, 327 678, 684, 66 773, 776-777, 90 L.Ed. 939 (1946), coupled abrogation States' Eleventh Amendment immunity §2000d-7, us recognizes remedy, 68-73, 1033-1037; 78, 1039 (SCALIA, concurring judgment), decisions all. III 13 measure latitude shape best comports statute. See, Musick, Peeler & Garrett Employers Ins. Wausau, 508 286, 292-293, 113 2085, 2089-2090, 124 194 (1993); Virginia Bankshares, Inc. Sandberg, 501 1083, 1104, 111 2749, 2764, 115 929 (1991). endeavor inherently entails degree speculation, since addresses spoken. Lampf, Pleva, Lipkind, Prupis Petigrow Gilbertson, 350, 359, 2773, 2780, 321 To analysis, examine relevant ensure fashion parameters manner structure purpose. Peeler, 294-297, 2089-2091; 300, 2092-2093 (THOMAS, dissenting); 1102, 2763. 14 Those considerations, think, right, Transamerica Mortgage Advisors, Lewis, 444 11, 100 242, 146 (1979); 77-78, 1038-1039 judgment). suggested much recognized brought vindicate right,'' reconciled congressional 68, 1033-1034. "general rule,'' is, "yields necessary carry intent frustrating purposes involved.'' Guardians Assn. Serv. Comm'n New York City, 463 582, 3221, 3228-3229, 77 866 (1983) (opinion White, J.); cf., 703, 1960-1961 (" [A] frustrate underlying scheme''). 15 here, "frustrate purposes'' permit official. create text shed 71, 1035-1036; 76, 1038 Instead, "we attempt [1972] provision the'' Central Bank Denver, N.A. First Interstate N. A., 511 164, 178, 114 1439, 1448, (1994); 294-295, 2089-2090; North Haven Bd. Ed. Bell, 456 512, 529, 102 1912, 1922, 72 299 (1982). 16 As provide all, instead allowing injunctive equitable relief. §2000a-3(a) (1970 ed.); §2000e-5(e), (g) ed., Supp. II). until 1991 then, carefully calibrating size employer. §1981a(b)(3). Adopting petitioners' amount, spoken considered restricted available. 17 1972 objectives mind: "to use resources discriminatory practices'' citizens protection practices.'' 704, 1961-1962. 694-696, 1956-1958; Grove City College 465 555, 566, 104 1211, 1217-1218, 79 516 (1984), parallel except applies funds, §2000d operate manner, conditioning offer Guardians, 599, 3231 609, 3236 (Powell, judgment); Pennhurst State Hospital Halderman, 451 1, 17, 1531, 1539-1540, 67 694 (1981). 18 distinguishes terms employers aims broadly "eradicat[e] throughout economy.'' Landgraf USI Film Products, 244, 254, 1483, 1491, 229 (1994) seeks "make persons whole injuries suffered past discrimination.'' whereas centrally compensate victims focuses "protecting'' individuals practices carried might explain why, referred 705, n. 38, 710, 44, 711, 1962, 1965, 19 attaches Const., Art. I, §8, cl. VI, noncompliance 1037; 596-603, 3229-3230 (White, Pennhurst, 28-29, 1545-1546. Our central concern ensuring "that entity [has] award.'' 74, White's announcing instance, alleging unintentional prospective only, unintentional, "it surely obvious grantee aware administering [condition].'' 598, 3230. confront similar concerns If superior, situation. H., 654 ("When accepted agreed sex. think unlikely suffer employees sex''). Most significantly, intend enforcement-by agencies-operates assumption entitles disburse rules implementing non-discrimination suspend terminate "other law.'' Significantly, initiate "has requirement secured means.'' implement obligation, resolution issues "by informal possible,'' 34 CFR §100.7(d) prohibiting commencement unobtainable notified taken effect compliance,'' §100.8(d); §100.8(c). 21 event violation, "such [is] deem[ed] overcome effects [the] §106.3. While conditioned providing victim, see, Haven, 518, 1916 (reinstatement employee), contemplate ordering payment indication demanded O.T.1991, 918, p. 24. came virtue resignation complaints. 3, 1032, 3. 22 Presumably, person'' commence proposed objective. deemed "constructively'' Nor, course, limit 23 unsound, come Cf., 180, 1449 [I]t "anomalous impute intention expand plaintiff beyond bounds delineated causes action'''), quoting Blue Chip Stamps Manor Drug Stores, 421 723, 736, 95 1917, 1925-1926, 44 539 (1975). exceed level Tr. Oral Arg. 35 1992-1993 roughly $120,000). Where severe sanction unsuccessful efforts obtain compliance, attribute imposition greater conditions. IV 24 predicated "appropriate rectify §1682, conclude, absence lines. An §1682 minimum, Consequently, like involve entity, 25 presupposes refuses bring compliance. premise, words, finds rough standard indifference. Under standard, risk own employees' independent Comparable considerations adoption §1983 municipality's failing prevent deprivation Board Comm'rs Bryan Cty. Brown, 397, 1382, 137 626 (1997); Canton Harris, 489 378, 388-392, 109 1197, 1204-1207, 412 (1989); Collins Harker Heights, 115, 123-124, 1061, 1067-1068, 261 (1992). 26 information misconduct principal. information, consisted charging class, plainly alert possibility Vista, learning STEVENS points course post, __, 8. principles, wrongdoer himself analysis. §280. 27 focus asserted claims. each "adopt publish procedures resolution'' complaints, C.F.R. §106.8(b) notify others activities operates,'' §106.9(a). regulations, And event, "discrimination'' Of administratively: Agencies represent definition E.g., 574-575, 1221-1222 (permitting regulation college execute "Assurance Compliance'' IX). held, sorts requirements. V 28 reported schools confirms unfortunately too experience. No questions suffers extraordinary harm abuse teacher, reprehensible undermines system. attributable employs specific designed assistance using manner. affect matter capacity §1983. Until speaks subject, absent affirm Appeals. 29 ordered. 30 whom BREYER join, dissenting. 31 petition asks (respondent) negative answer odious majority relies heavily notion "judicially implied,'' "a latitude'' shaping ante, __. This assertion lawmaking faithful precedents interpret, rather revise, commands. majority's thwarts 32 emphasize confronted construction. represented 1972. noting patterned intended authorize 694-698, 1961 ("We doubt remedies understood authorizing prohibited discrimination'').1 long clear, implicit command legal force explicit. fact many words significant execution [the statute].'' Deckert Independence Shares Corp., 311 282, 288, 61 229, 233, 85 189 (1940).2 33 unanimously harassed sports coach/teacher district. supported considerations. White relied intends "all remedies'' indicates otherwise. Id., 66, 1032.3 noted amendments4 validated Cannon's "Congress IX.'' 1036. judgment, amendment immunity, §2000d-7(a)(1), read "not "as validation holding,' 1036, acknowledgment available.'' 1039. these constructions unchallenged seeking explicitly, implicitly, Congress. settled views sound already accorded ""a sweep broad language.''' 521, 1918, (1982) Price, 383 787, 1152, 267 (1966)). indeed. "No '' Judge Rovner correctly observed, passive verbs focusing victim wrongdoer, gives coverage VII. 1014, 1047 1997) (dissenting opinion).5 assumed consideration receipt constitutes affirmative undertaking mere obey reflected Franklin. Explaining why violated wrote: 37 moneys expended proscribe. 1037 (emphasis added). 38 stands violates duty-assumed exchange funds-not 39 Although announces today entirely overrule __-__ ("Franklin student''). I understand Franklin,6 case.7 freshman sophomore years school, repeatedly met eighth grade group. occurred during, curriculum wielded delegated undisputed subsidized, part, moneys. 40 nevertheless "authority behalf'' Ante, law,8 responsible "he aided relation.'' Agency, (1957).9 presents paradigmatic example possible, effected, prolonged period powerful influence reason employer, him. secondary exercised control supervisors exercise employees. His gross misuse allowed young student's trust.10 41 Reliance §219(2)(b) agency's interpretation recently "Guidance'' stating institution.'' Ed., Guidance: Students Employees, Other Students, Third Parties, charged interest contravention mandate. Department's wholly imposes induce boards adopt minimize danger vulnerable exposed behavior. crafted creates opposite incentive. insulate themselves sort conduct, liability.11 Indeed, adopts preclude behalf.'' my function determine newly wiser rule. proper, bears burden justifying dramatic departure shoulder burden. 43 advances several reasons __-__. acknowledges, motivated enactment were: (1) ""to practices''' ; (2) practices.''' __ 1961). seems quite served-not frustrated-by kind. extent choice merit, ever awarded case-in unanimous repudiated. observes all.'' forecloses reevaluation intent; "evaluate[d] Legislature passed IX,'' contextual approach justify amply demonstrates lack abandon traditional remedies,'' suggests imposed ceiling cases, §1981a, somehow short creative argument bearing defendant present award.12 45 fair ""for award''' 1037). mean, "intentional'' available, shortly abusing 1037-1038. Given unanimous, unreasonable foreseen counsel began. 2404. Normally, presume citizen 46 takes accepts commenced grant determines (and harassment). 47 specified followed subsidy terminated, illuminate prove order 1031, Education's issue-despite occurred-because IX'' issue. less persuade unavailable. Cf. 1965 ("The provisions complex sufficient refusing imply otherwise separate section''). 48 reliance availability leads behalf,'' official's "refus[al] action,'' "deliberate indifference'' __-__.13 few plaintiffs able exceedingly recognize virtually "render inutile presented defenses mitigate argued, example, vigorously enforced redress harms produce exonerated liability.14 Secretary directing disseminate them students.15 defense pursuant likely helpful respondent, clear policy,16 regulation.17 50 theme underlie deprive benefit subsidy-that onerous grant. (stating funding''). state-law grant.18 injured bear harm-a insure. me well-settled responsibility agents ranks purse above immature provide. members whose policymaking branch Government. 51 respectfully dissent. 52 53 STEVENS' teacher-on-student schools. join reserves relieved place, effectively publicizes enforces, curtail caused reasons: dimensions plaintiff's allegations, allowable defenses; pathmarkers needed afford implementation 54 doctrine avoidable consequences, C. McCormick, Law 127-159 (1935), charge reporting redressing governance instructed install "prompt detailed elements process, 12044-12045 55 show internal publicized provided exposing complainant undue risk, effort, expense. regime, unreasonably avail herself preventive measures, consequently harm, qualify syllabus prepared Reporter Decisions convenience reader. Detroit Timber Lumber Co., 200 321, 337, 287, 499 (1906). explained: "In language construed creating always elected representatives, citizens, know law; references modes enforcement, especially justified presuming representatives prior reflects 696-698, 1957-1958. observed "during 1964 consistently remedies-often this. decided Cort Ash [422 2080, (1975)] cited We, adhere evaluation account contemporary contest. sum, realistic thoroughly familiar unusually expected conformity them.'' 698-699, 1957-1959 (footnotes Consolidated Rail Corporation Darrone, 624, 1248, 568 handicapped back-pay. 626, 635, 1250, 1255. Marbury Madison, Cranch 137, 163, (1803), Chief Marshall emphatically termed government laws, men. certainly cease deserve appellation, laws furnish vested right.' originated English Blackstone described indisputable invaded.' W. Blackstone, Commentaries (1783). Ashby Salk. 19, 21, 87 Eng.Rep. 808, 816 (Q.B.1702) ("If maintain ').'' 66-67, 1032-1033; 67, 1033 (""A disregard wrongful act, results damage especial party default law''') Pacific R. Co. Rigsby, 241 33, 39, 482, 484, 874 (1916)). Rehabilitation 1986, 1845, §2000d-7 (abrogating immunity); Restoration 1987, 28, §1687 (defining "program activity'' broadly). , discriminator, making unlawful engage certain (see §2000e-2(a)), drafted perspective discriminated against. names actor, verbs, setting occurred. effect, single question-whether covered includes actor follows "agents' non-existent actor.'' (Rovner, 691-693, 1955-1956, (1979) (recognizing "with unmistakable benefited class,'' "writ[e] simply ban disbursement public engaged practices''). notes, -unlike case-alleged act. __-__; 1031-1032, suggest, allegation Respondent ("It mind "responsible' violations procedures. compelled regulations''); ("In phrased occur regardless But nothing culpability''). [T]here committed IX''). questionable factual matter. ample conducted. routine responsibilities. harassing classes, consequence will, authority. inapplicable refer "agent,'' does. (citing §2000e(b)). protected fund fully explains mention "agents'' recipient, however. 5, supra. viewed VII's "agent'' limitation employer: "Congress' "employer' "agent' §2000e(b), evinces place limits acts responsible.'' 2408 (citations For visited house pretense giving project. 54a (deposition Gebser). freshman, stated terrified'': "He main discussions, didn't do.'' 56a. attend advanced placement allotted 60a. "if blow whistle wouldn't anymore.'' 62a. administration trusted, against.'' 63a. concludes "does §1983.'' petitioner's Tort Claims Act, Tex. Civ. Prac. Rem.Code Ann. §101.051 immunizes one. powerless verdicts. 18, infra. retain remittitur, example. jury verdict presumably depend factors, control. factor disseminated 12048, school's immediate determining plaintiff''). cites stringent arising different statute, National Association (proposing implemented prevention program''). complaints'' inform antidiscrimination §106.9. Factual remain adequate Compare 44a-45a (affidavit superintendent/Title coordinator Collier) policy) Plaintiffs' Motion Partial Summary Judgment, Record 332; Exh. (Collier deposition), 42, policy). superintendent remember handbook alerting 72a-73a deposition). "If beginning supposed starts towards me, probably bewildered terrified idea go was.'' 64a. Amici Boards Jersey $1.4 million al. (1997)); TASB Legal Assistance Fund (same). enter verdict; judge ordered new trial medical mental health treatment expenses. 887 F.Supp. 947, 957 (W.D.Tex.1995), rev'd,

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