Document: 478 U.S. 385 106 S.Ct. 3000 92 L.Ed.2d 315 P.E. BAZEMORE, et al., Petitioners,v.William C. FRIDAY al. UNITED STATES, Petitioners, v. William Nos. 85-93, 85-428. July 1, 1986. Carolyn B. Kuhl, Washington, D.C., for petitioners in No. 85-428, Eric Schnapper, New York City, 85-93. Howard E. Manning, Jr., Raleigh, N.C., respondents both cases. PER CURIAM. 1 These cases present several issues arising out of petitioners' action against alleged racial discrimination employment and provision services by the North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service (Extension Service). The District Court declined to certify various proposed classes and, after a lengthy trial, entered judgment all respects, finding that had not carried their burden demonstrating engaged pattern or practice discrimination. also ruled each individual plaintiffs' claims. Appeals affirmed. 751 F.2d 662 (CA4 1984). We hold, reasons stated concurring opinion Justice BRENNAN, erred holding under Title VII Civil Rights Act 1964, 78 Stat. 253, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e seq., no duty eradicate salary disparities between white black workers origin prior date was made applicable public employers;1 disregarding statistical analysis because it reflected pre-Title disparities, regressions were unacceptable evidence discrimination; ignoring presented addition multiple regression analyses; that, on remand, should examine record relating clearly-erroneous standard; given refusing class employees do support decision such class; correct defendant counties.2 further WHITE, neither Constitution nor Department Agriculture regulations require more than what found has done this case disestablish segregation its 4-H Homemaker Clubs. Accordingly, is affirmed part vacated part, are remanded proceedings consistent with opinion.3 2 It so ordered. 3 BRENNAN joined other Members Court, part. 4 * A. 5 purpose Carolina's agricultural extension program, administered through Service), aid dissemination "useful practical information subjects agriculture home economics." App. Pet. Cert. p. 7a (hereinafter Pet.App.). division School Life Sciences at State University (NCSU). headed Director who exercises authority over Chairmen responsible administering programs within State's six districts. Chairmen, turn, supervise 100 County developing coordinating activities respective counties. report Board Commissioners (Board), unit local government, matters budgeting personnel. 6 operates four major areas: economics, agriculture, youth, community resource development. In economics areas, one Service's methods entails establishment clubs educate club members useful skills. program educates encourages farmers adopt scientific adjust changing economic circumstances. development emphasizes group citizen groups organizations. Each these implemented agents selected jointly county Boards. Agents divided into three ranks: full agent, associate assistant agent. "While ranks perform essentially same types tasks, when an agent promoted his responsibilities increase higher level performance expected him." Id., 17a. 7 salaries determined 33a; CA 223; DX 78, 1684.1 federal, state, governments contribute salaries. Boards determine proportionate share be paid county. Moreover, hirings firings decided " 'jointly Commissioners.' Pet.App. 24a (quoting Memorandum Understanding, 78). 8 overall responsibility establishing qualifications screening applicants before recommending qualified commissioners appointment vacant new positions. prepares submits annual budget request county's funds 9 reviews requests from year confers advises Chairman concerning programs. furnishes addition, provides office space equipment, utilities, telephone, demonstration materials, etc. 10 Prior August 1965, two branches: branch "Negro branch." Only branch" formal designation. composed entirely personnel served only farmers, homemakers, youth. employed blacks, but did occasion serve blacks. On response merged branches single organization. However, subsequently found, "[the] unification integration result immediately elimination some which existed . ." 31a. B 11 private include Service, recipients services, Clubs, parents Club youths. Complaint 12. They brought 1971 alleging violation First, Fifth, Fourteenth Amendments Constitution, §§ 1981, 1983 2000d, 341 seq. defendants, here, Friday, President NCSU, officials associated school Agriculture. Alamance, Edgecomb, Mecklenburg Counties named defendants. 12 April 7, 1972, United States intervened 902 IX 601 602 VI 2000h-2, 2000d-1. amended complaint intervention allegations defendants violated 703 706 2000e-2, 2000e-5. States' tracked claims petitioners. permitted eve trial amend add claim well. 13 occasions asked, declined, action. Near close plaintiffs again requested court defendants.2 once so, upheld Appeals. merits, explored virtually every aspect practices services.3 favor respects. most concluded failed carry proof. As general proposition, view conducted itself nondiscriminatory manner since became subject merger 1965. Both limited appeals considering regarding promotions concluding discriminated blacks respect Chairmen. claimed system used merit pay increases VII. appealed rejection unlawfully providing materials segregated Court's refusal granted certiorari, 474 978, 379, 88 333 (1985).4 II 14 first issue we must decide whether upholding proved preponderance paying them less whites reasoned obligation eliminate any disparity 1972 employers Service.5 factors, those included analyses, affected salary, therefore analyses incapable sustaining 15 maintained separate, racially employees. 120a; F.2d, 666. acknowledged "[s]ome pre-existing continued linger on," March suit filed. Ibid. Indeed, noted "the admits while adjustments try get rid resulting account pre-Act discrimination, necessary disparity." 672. See Brief Respondents 32 ("[E]fforts reduce average differences due [sic] structure [sic], averages eliminated"). interpreted appeal discriminatory difference have been affirmatively eliminated not." 670. Relying our Hazelwood States, 433 299, 97 2736, 53 768 (1977), Air Lines, Inc. Evans, 431 553, 1885, 52 571 concluded, "[w]e think law." 16 error created perpetuated thereafter too obvious warrant extended discussion: time covered does excuse perpetuating To hold otherwise would effect exempting liability historically greatest offenders rights A constituted VII, fact statute yet become effective, upon VII's effective date, extent employer engage act practice, liable statute. While recovery may pre-1972 acts imposed. 17 week's paycheck delivers similarly situated wrong actionable regardless begun plainly eliminated.6 18 Appeals' conclusion undermines rest opinion. Having rejected considered solely application quartile rankings which, according Appeals, computation exercised discretion." 674.7 Because, explained, based race began VII,8 concentrating there ranking system. 19 now turn accept expert proof evidence. 707(a) 2000e-6(a), "establish company's standard operating procedure—the regular rather unusual practice." Teamsters 324, 336, 1843, 1855, 396 (1977). Further, Postal Governors Aikens, 460 711, 103 1478, 75 403 (1983), although context pattern-and-practice case, makes clear if succeeded having dismissed ground establish prima facie responded offering own, factfinder then demonstrated This point actually 715, S.Ct., 1482. determination appellate review. Anderson Bessemer 470 564, 105 1504, 84 518 (1985); Pullman-Standard Swint, 456 273, 102 1781, 72 66 (1982). 20 At relied heavily designed demonstrate whites. prepared years 1974, 1975, 1981. Certain independent variables—race, education, tenure, job title. Petitioners variables discovery testimony official factors determinative salary: title, performance. GX 159, pp. 90, 96. race, sex, experience; another 1974 tenure check 214; Tr. 3915-3918; 1681; 3920. 21 purported employee earned $331 per 123; 1601; 364-365, 1975 $395, 1589; 377.9 1981 showed smaller lacked significance. stated: 22 [The] district refused number variable relevant, among being across board percentage varied was, course, analysis." 23 thought reasons: "contained figures reflect consideration (footnote omitted). Second, believed "[a]n appropriate measurable level." particular, failure consider county-to-county significant. noting: "[B]oth experts omitted ought reasonably viewed determinants salary. result, here discrimination." treatment erroneous important 24 stating "unacceptable discrimination," they "all court's evidentiary value incorrect. omission render probative might be, can hardly said, absent infirmity, accounts "must Normally, will affect analysis' probativeness, admissibility.10 25 Importantly, includes variables" prove plaintiff's case. plaintiff need certainty; rather, her Texas Dept. Community Affairs Burdine, 450 248, 252, 101 1089, 1093, 67 207 (1981). Whether, fact, ultimate depend factual light defendant. long fairly conclude, evidence, likely impermissible exists, entitled prevail. 26 utterly record. Looked entirety, offered impressive array contention own described above, results similar revealed regressions. 3917; 1681. 1975. Using model used, variables, respondents' obtained substantially statistically significant $384. 1716. analysis, "quartile rank" variable, increased $475.11 27 ineffectual attempts it. For example, submitted comparable positions 120a. 1971, substantial existed.12 show efforts equalize insufficient accomplish goal. 242-246; 98. U.S., 309-310, n. 15, 2742-2743, "[p]roof circumstances inference continued, particularly where relevant aspects decisionmaking process undergone little change."13 28 rebut variations contributions explain established rebut, located disproportionately counties contributed small amount 216; see 189. Absent disproportionate concentration counties, difficult, impossible, understand how others could exhibit 1973 data showing 29 earning lower tenure. 102. Finally, overlap discredit variation theory, consisting comparisons situated. 102, 48. Witness testimony, unrebutted, confirmed existence disparities. 190; 2010-2012, 2685, 2825-2826. 30 Setting range persuasive demonstrates focusing characteristics analysis. Although strong clearly erroneous,14 leave task remand make "entire evidence" Gypsum Co., 364, 68 525, L.Ed. 746 (1948).15 III 31 complain failing seek certification distinct classes: (1) November 18, 1971; (2) current potential Clubs 1971;16 (3) held position 1971. 667. denial certification. With employees, up money sources, Federal Government, State, "claim typical different county." 668.17 applied reasoning employees' charge hiring Yet asserted counties; Service. And, least, "typical" denied promotion chairman. seems requirements Rule Procedure met class, below expressly remand.18 33 Commissioner "was simply standardized hundred separate state deprive anyone race." 47a-48a. "to proper either statewide rule relief available invalid, adjudication member matter dispositive interests provided FRCP 23(b)(1)(B)." agree 23(b)(1)(B) improper. Whether acted intentionally setting selecting manner, particular "be class." suggested theory result. 34 whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE, POWELL, REHNQUIST, O'CONNOR join, concurring. 35 BRENNAN's explaining insofar vacates write separately affirm rejecting operation true started great many all-white all-black clubs. undisputed 1964 discontinued policy opened club, existing newly organized, eligible person race. find membership imbalance wholly voluntary unfettered choice individuals. 172a. organized without regard open persons race; instructs encourage formation publishes policies media; work functions above fully integrated basis; camps ten years; 181a. disturb findings 36 findings, presents Amendment adopted neutral admissions policy. mere single-race constitutional violation. one's voluntary. Green Kent County, 391 430, 1689, 716 (1968), schools inadequate take affirmative integrate student bodies. predicate imposing busing pupil assignment end dual systems, associations supported Even assigned time. schoolchildren go school, compulsion join boards customarily power create attendance areas designate students attend, statutory regulatory deny young right he she wishes join. Nor Our requiring parks like desegregated lend And however sound schools, milieu. submission respect. 37 rely regulation "affirmative action" overcome effects But taken change concededly system, federal parties compliance regulation. deference Department's interpretation regulation, cannot petitioner's violated. 38 MARSHALL, BLACKMUN, STEVENS dissenting 39 rejects promulgated desegregate Carolina. concludes "Constitution require[s no] Clubs," ante, ----, identify precisely done. satisfied minority Club. respect, joins winking Constitution's requirement history segregative practices, callously thwarts effort last vestiges unfortunate ignominious page country's history." Albemarle Paper Co. Moody, 422 405, 418, 95 2362, 2372, 45 280 (1975). WHITE's terse offers feeble excuses departure historic commitment eradication country. I dissent. 40 Youth Program educational Carolina, renders assistance citizens State. Through organizes throughout Thomas Blalock, testified recruit, train, utilize volunteers Clubs; provide training 4196, 4199, 4217. Similarly, regularly meet give lessons them, train members. 16a App.). Oral Arg. 42. law restricts use name "4-H Club" affiliated certain CFR 8.1-8.10 (1985). 41 early 1960's "[4-H] during hours them. Thereafter, moved basis adult serving leaders clubs." 19a. disputed operated 37. Evidence introduced segregated, 1,474 total 2,687 (54.9%), 32, 1806; 1980, 1,348 3,448 (39.1%) remained white. 11. mixed communities, 580 clubs, 296 American Indians, 880 ibid.; this, compared 892 represented decline 1.3% eight years, 33, 1807.1 1972—the kept statistics—98.8% black. 103. took de jure argument thereunder. Proposed Conclusions Law Plaintiff-Intervenor Civ. Action 2879 (EDNC), 3, 19-20. VI. 23. 43 judge argument. He persuaded witness anything voluntary, "or ever subjected Service." 168a. challenge composition footnote "[a]bsent communities violates equal protection clause." 662, 687, 128 devoid club. 44 reassert position. (USDA) 1964. 15.3(b)(6)(i) (1985), states: "In recipient previously color, national origin, 46 contend supports proposition longer officially relieve dismantle created. 47 never attempted explain—either Court—how See, e.g., 50. Inexplicably, even mention regulation; mentioned it, ignored import. 169a-173a. takes contrary trial.2 contends complied ensure [their] avoids subsequent conduct." Reply 18. dismisses paragraph asserting constitutes disagree. 48 absurd declares refrains illegal activities. ignores portion requires "overcome There room doubt, bother argue otherwise, legacy still exist Carolina.3 IV 49 surprising USDA steps less. "freedom choice" plan whereby able choose attend achieve mandated Brown Education, 349 294, 753, 99 1083 (1955). Green, "[i]n state-imposed standing, 1965 doors former 'white' Negro children 'Negro' merely begins, ends, inquiry adequate abolish dual, system." 437, 1694. 50 courts absence specific instances compelled segregation. cite proposition. wrong. administration gives rise turned away Gilmore City Montgomery, 417 556, 566-567, 94 2416, 2422-2423, 304 (1974) ("The city custom, usage reflecting obeisance thoroughly discredited doctrine equal. obviously meant Montgomery recreational facilities root branch") (internal quotation marks omitted); Keyes Denver, Colorado, 413 189, 213, 93 2686, 2700, 548 (1973) ("If determines Denver respondent entire 'root branch' "); Swann Charlotte-Mecklenburg 402 91 1267, 1275, 554 (1971) objective today remains segregation"); id., 1284 (discussing desegregate"); 1694 ("School state-compelled systems nevertheless charged whatever convert unitary branch"). "court decree far possible past well bar future." Louisiana 380 145, 154, 85 817, 822, 709 (1965) (voting context) (emphasis added). Carter Jury Comm'n Greene 320, 340, 90 518, 529, 549 (1970) (jury selection context). 51 agrees supra, "held entity desegregate. 16. regulations, argues fulfilled normally choice, establishes genuinely race-neutral admission conduct. 16-18. nature somehow taking ineffective actions border inaction declaring refraining distinguishable assign youths clubs.4 flaw did, effect, period 1960's, 19a, time, segregated. 4203-4204. Thus, wanted were, "assigned" school.5 eradicate. indistinguishable argued Amendment. identical Green: serves squarely Rather, emphasized 54 'Freedom Choice' talisman; means constitutionally required end—the abolition effects. If acceptable, fails undo segregation, end." 440, 1695 Bowman Board, 382 326, 1967) (Sobeloff, J., concurring) added)). 55 WHITE asserts "has Service," "[e]ven time." Ante, ----. "while join." observations advance position, however; why fours 56 second "[w]hile school-children learn mathematics distinction about us. Nothing earlier suggests confined participate. contrary, formerly entities extends beyond participation compulsory amenities facilities. (1974); Watson Memphis, 373 526, 83 1314, 529 (1963); Dawson Mayor Council Baltimore, 220 386, aff'd, 350 877, 76 133, 774 (1955); Muir Louisville Park Theatrical Assn., 347 971, 74 783, 98 1112 (1954). 57 Rather attempt justify reaches precedent, adopts states "however milieu." left wonder so. remedy ultimately properly vary contexts, justification logic precedent relieving another. blindly perpetuation state-sponsored run 58 misapprehension Court. That characterized problem facing grave terms: 59 "The simple truth one-race faced dilemma easy, readily solution. hand constant pressure government terminate stark reality races frequently meets resistance. 60 thus posed better continue much needed 100,000 striving withdraw altogether do. opted former, doing perceive 182a-185a. 61 "effective systems. 62 however, certainly crafting cut off Nor, suggest, initiate assignment. exercise equitable powers, broad variety measures, desegregating 439-441, 1694-1696. delineation precise measures instance. 439, 1694-1695. disappeared, fulfill duty. said "[a]lthough experience 'freedom choice' indicate ineffectiveness tool desegregation, device." 1695-1696. record, appears device. 63 Government's facts passive erroneous, conclusively blatant act. reads less, occurred employers, 24, violate Amendment, reach enable recover violations date. address claim. statements lingered present, when, ever, eliminated. "unification 122a-123a; 201a. If, finally pre-1965 barred limitations, moot resolution underlying invite immunize delegating decisions third party manner. question "separately responsible" chairmen, 677, note agreement order fill vacancy [for Chairman]." 675. "in memorandum understanding appointments worked unilaterally filling vacancy." 77a. 163. Thus recommendations final together. opinion, my post, ---, following designations refer GX, Government; DX, defendant's exhibit; Tr., transcript; App., Appendix 20, 1982, were: "(1) All Black Indian [Extension Service] thereafter; "(2) service "(3) Service's] "(4) thereafter, "(5) [A a]ll capacities, thereafter." 37a. Indians 49a, No sought 1965; hire, whites; compensation, terms, conditions, privileges assignments; standards sufficiently prevent promotion; minorities persons; maintain nonracially 50a-51a. petition 703(a) Act, 2000e-2(a), identifying themselves jobs, additional questions: May treated incorporate conceivable variable? satisfy adopting freedom fails? party? (4) Did Fourth Circuit err denying case? originally enacted, employers. expanded Equal Employment Opportunity 86 103, whose 1972. 2000e(a), (b), (f), (h). Neither Evans rule, indeed here. respondent, female flight attendant, forced resign 1968 employer's forbidding attendants marry. Respondent resignation. rehired airline seniority resignation barred, filed claiming guilty continuing favorably males hired termination reemployment. gave past, retirement thereby consequences forbidden allegation discriminate. Because lawsuit occurring passed, "no legal consequences," 558, 1889, though "[i]t constitute background proceeding status issue." "critical question," declared, "is exists." suit, Hazelwood, Attorney General directed possibility "might rebutted statistics dealing Hazelwood's VII." 309, 2742. explained "[a] [1972] forward way force purposefully excluding Negroes." Here, whites, "made way." sense actions, but, focuses structure, continuation structure. Quartile refers placing first, second, third, fourth quartile, previous period. influence decisions. involves claims: premerger branches. law. meaningless say "continued" Plaintiffs-Appellants Bazemore 82-1873(L), 82-1881, 82-1927, 82-2065 (CA4), 24-41. Petitioners' 377. may, incomplete inadmissible irrelevant; rank added 20% missing added, unable added. 6242. Dr. T. Carlton Assistant Administration pointed professionals $800 $1,100 1970. 3905, 3911. Blalock "Believe you'd women & non-white men lower—Our verify—Due factors— -The competitive market—This acceptable reason though. -Tradition—not just Ext. -Less positions." 157, 129. specifically complained weight ---- - quite probative. very product chance. successfully respondents. alluded 1976 146a-147a, 2227-2231, putting aside contradicted petitioners', 1976. "scattergrams" graphs regressions, displayed completely random distribution." 148a. Yet, brief below, organize appear random. Fisher, Multiple Regression Legal Proceedings, 80 Colum.L.Rev. 702, 705-707 (1980). scattergram Respondents' strategy declare making employee's salary; aware otherwise—to accounted note, conclusions inexplicable referring expert's principally 119a. noted. factor determining professional staff performance." 134a. greater petitioners'. Third, inclusion fearing skew controlled adding mean nonwhite event, excluded differential listed nine 133a. not, "missing" relate variations, performance, regression. Given disposition merits moot. analogized Stastny Southern Bell Tel. 628 267 1980), almost complete autonomy offices typicality 23(a)(3) employees." 668. flatly contradict reached "autonomous" fashion arrived "[t]he commissioners." 77. Understanding 162. Of "most importan[t]" certifying "it settled inappropriate unnecessary suits EEOC pursuant 44a-46a. cited Telephone EEOC, 446 318, 1698, 64 319 (1980), misread pattern-and-practice-case Government certified representative victims. stand intervenes plaintiffs, lose proceed class. 1980 1,442, 42% is, contained group. meanwhile, grown 586 1,142 1977, 39.6% units 56% 134. witnesses communities. Post Trial Findings Fact, Decree Plaintiff-Intervenors &Par; 245, 255. apparent detract accuracy statistics, progress indicated, reports agents, monitor reports. 250-254. significance data. 1982 paragraphs Court: "20. Defendants shall assure opportunity future. "21. days Order define guidelines set forth supporting documentation attorneys Plaintiffs Plaintiff-Intervenors. "22. Consistent ordered implement "All Reasonable Efforts" provisions implementing desegregation "23. desegregated. "24. One Order, cease contact basis, shown reasonable desegrated para. above." 9. USDA, something nonobstructionism provided, "take interracial composition." 1933, 1949. argues: "Where state-controlled pattern, redraw. unlike elementary secondary genuine affecting place conditions caused Such will, conduct contributes restore victims (and others) i.e., participate free separation attributable action." 42-43. little, basis. "assign" people

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