Document: 414 U.S. 632 94 S.Ct. 791 39 L.Ed.2d 52 CLEVELAND BOARD OF EDUCATION et al., Petitioners,v.Jo Carol LaFLEUR al. Susan COHEN, Petitioner, v. CHESTERFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL Nos. 72—777 and 72—1129. Argued Oct. 15, 1973. Decided Jan. 21, 1974. Syllabus Pregnant public school teachers brought these actions under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 challenging the constitutionality of mandatory maternity leave rules Cleveland, Ohio (No. 72—777), Chesterfield County, Virginia (No 72—1129), School Boards. The Cleveland rule requires a pregnant teacher to take unpaid five months before expected childbirth, with application be made at least two weeks her departure. Eligibility return work is not accorded until next regular semester after child three old. County four months, give notice six anticipated childbirth. Re-employment guaranteed no later than first day year date she declared re-eligible. Both schemes require physician's certificate physical fitness prior teacher's return. Each Court Appeals reversed court below, one holding constitutional, other unconstitutional. Held: 1. termination provisions both violate Due Process Clause Fourteenth Amendment. Pp. 639—648. (a) arbitrary cutoff dates (which obviously come different times for teachers) have valid relationship State's interest in preserving continuity instruction, as long required substantial advance that pregnant. (b) challenged are violative due process since they create conclusive presumption every who or physically incapable continuing duties, whereas any such ability continue past fixed pregnancy period an individual matter; boards' administrative convenience alone cannot suffice validate rules. 643—648. 2. three-month provision also violates process, being irrational. It creates irrebuttable mother (whose good health must medically certified) fit resume work, it germane maintaining precise point will reach relevant age occur time throughout each teacher. 648—650. 3. rule, which free unnecessary presumption, comports requirements. P. 650. No. 72—777, 6 Cir., 465 F.2d 1184, affirmed; 72—1129, 4 474 395, remanded. Charles F. Clarke, Ohio, petitioners 72 777. Jane M. Picker, respondents. Philip J. Hirschkop, Alexandria, Va., petitioner 1129. Samuel W. Hixon, III, Richmond, Mr. Justice STEWART delivered opinion Court. 1 respondents 1129 female teachers. During 1970—1971 year, informed local board was pregnant; compelled by quit job without pay several birth child. These cases call upon us decide 2 * Jo LaFleur Ann Elizabeth Nelson, junior high employed Board Education Ohio. Pursuant adopted 1952, pay, beginning Application A on allowed follows when attains months. doctor's attesting prerequisite return; additional examination may required. promised re-employment child; merely given priority reassignment position qualified. Failure comply ground dismissal.1 3 Neither Mrs. nor Nelson wished leave; wanted teaching end year.2 Because however, March 1971.3 women then filed separate suits United States District Northern 1983, rule. tried together, rejected plaintiffs' arguments. 326 F.Supp. 1208. divided panel Sixth Circuit reversed, finding violation Equal Protection Amendment.4 1184. Cohen, Virginia. That board's regulation Notice writing date. re-eligible employment submits written from physician re-employment, can assurance care cause only minimal interference responsibilities. following re-eligible.5 5 Cohen November 1970, about April 28, 1971.6 She initially requested permitted 1, 1971.7 request, did Cohen's subsequent suggestion teach January 1971, semester. Instead, December 18, 1970. subsequently this suit Eastern held Clause, granted appropriate relief. 1159. Fourth affirmed, but, rehearing en banc, upheld 4—3 decision. 395. We certiorari cases, 411 947, 93 1921, 36 408, order resolve conflict between Courts regarding teachers.8 II 7 This has recognized freedom personal choice matters marriage family life liberties protected Roe Wade, 410 113, 705, 35 147; Loving Virginia, 388 12, 87 1817, 1823, 18 1010; Griswold Connecticut, 381 479, 85 1678, 14 510; Pierce Society Sisters, 268 510, 45 571, 69 L.Ed. 1070; Meyer Nebraska, 262 390, 43 625, 67 1042. See Prince Massachusetts, 321 158, 64 438, 88 645; Skinner Oklahoma, 316 535, 62 1110, 86 1655. As we noted Eisenstadt Baird, 405 453, 92 1029, 1038, 31 349, there right 'to unwarranted governmental intrusion into so fundamentally affecting person decision whether bear beget child.' 8 By acting penalize deciding child, overly restrictive regulations constitute heavy burden exercise freedoms. directly affect 'one basic civil rights man,' supra, U.S., 541, S.Ct., 1113, Amendment needlessly, arbitrarily, capriciously impinge vital area constitutional liberty. question interests advanced support Boards justify particular procedures adopted. 9 boards offered essentially overlapping explanations their First, contend firm necessary maintain classroom knowledge facilitates hiring qualified substitute. Secondly, seek arguing some become adequately performing certain duties during latter part pregnancy. keeping out final said protect unborn while same assuring students capable instructor all times.9 10 denied instruction significant legitimate educational goal. Regulations requiring provide early condition authorities undoubtedly facilitate planning toward important objective continuity. But, Second Green Waterford Education, 473 629, 635: 11 'Where provides commencement . value (continuity) preserved; set fifth month more calculated planned orderly transition substitute closer confinement. Indeed, would afford more, less, procure satisfactory long-term substitute.' (Footnote omitted.) 12 Thus, advance-notice wholly rational well serve absolute requirements fourth not. Were goal, much better rules, providing ample were retained. seem just attained if herself choose commence leave, selected.10 13 In fact, sixth begin teachers, present hinder attainment very objectives purportedly designed promote. For example, occurred 1971. thus few left even though fully willing through term.11 Similarly, seems ironic forced mid-December 1970 rather January, requested. conclude embodied state instruction. condition, well, imposing far lesser women's constitutionally freedom. 15 remains justified boards—the necessity unfit classroom. There doubt perfectly legitimate, safety grounds. And, despite plethora conflicting medical testimony assume, arguendo, disabled effectively stages 16 surely operate insulate presence potentially incapacitated But sweep too broadly. Shelton Tucker, 364 81 247, 231. answered affirmative, amount reaches continuing. individualized determination doctor—or board's—as job. contain incompetency, applies evidence woman's status might contrary. 17 last Term Vlandis Kline, 412 441, 446, 2230, 2233, 37 63, 'permanent presumptions been disfavored Fifth Amendments.' Vlandis, unconstitutional, Amendment, Connecticut statute mandating nonresidency purposes qualifying reduced tuition rates university. case, id., 452, 2236: '(I)t forbidden deny resident basis permanent nonresidence, necessarily universally true State reasonable alternative means making crucial determination.' 19 Stanley Illinois, 645, 1208, 551, Illinois containing unmarried fathers incompetent raise children violated Clause. statutory took custody illegitimate death mother, allowing father attempt prove his parental fitness. put matter: 20 'It be, insists, most unsuitable neglectful parents. parent should placed hands. category; suited children.' Id., 654, 1214 (footnotes omitted). 21 Hence, could conclusively presume determination. Dept. Agriculture Murry, 413 508, 2832; 514—517, 2836—2837 (concurring opinion); Bell Burson, 402 91 1586, 29 90; Carrington Rash, 380 89, 775, 675. 22 principles control our us. While experts differed many points, unanimously agreed one—the woman matter.12 Even assuming, unable evident large numbers longer allow. like neither 'necessarily (nor) true,' 23 argued convenience, instances pregnancy, obviate case-by-case determinations. Certainly, devising prompt efficient achieve area. stated 656, 1215: 24 '(T)he Constitution recognizes higher values speed efficiency. fairly say Bill Rights general, particular, fragile vulnerable citizenry overbearing concern efficiency efficacy characterize praiseworthy government officials perhaps mediocre ones.' 25 easier month, insufficient make what otherwise law.13 employ means, do broadly infringe liberty, goals.14 26 conclude, therefore, sweeping represent good-faith laudable pass muster because unduly III 27 addition provisions, limitations eligibility giving birth. Again, offer justifications desire competent returns work. case goals but chosen those 28 Under eligible option board. seriously challenge either policy limiting concerning supplemental narrowly drawn methods protecting fitness; allow avoid pitfalls inherent delivery precisely serving avoiding changes personnel term. 30 does simply next-semester provisions. addition, wait operate. justification limitation, perceive none. To extent reflects thinking time, suffers deficiencies plague rules.15 moreover, patently unnecessary, requirement protects school's regard. And finally, nothing insofar embodies provision, irrational, hence limitation serves interest, unnecessarily penalizes asserting children. 32 infirmities system, becomes submission physician; determination.16 narrow method fitness, possible deferring goal short, manages here employing IV 33 reasons stated, hold use similar reasons, 34 Accordingly, judgment 72—1129 remanded further proceedings consistent opinion. ordered. Judgment affirmed. 38 DOUGLAS concurs result. POWELL result). 40 I concur Court's result, am join its my view decided impair 'irrebuttable presumption.' me equal protection analysis frame reference. 41 add burdens childbearing. certainly childbearing Constitution. Limitations welfare benefits receive account size illustrate point. Dandridge Williams, 397 471, 90 1153, 491 (1970). Undoubtedly Congress could, another discourage excessive population growth tax deductions dependents. intentional effort 'penalize' ante, 640. purpose. Their deterrent impact incidental. If efforts Dandridge, think does, invalid infringement procreate. troubled presumption' line 551 (1972) (Powell, J., participating), 63 (1973). Although joined result reached there, caused re-examine rationale. led conclusion approach doctrine extreme care. REHNQUIST says dissenting opinion, post, 660, implications traditional legislative power classification. matter logic, difficult see terminus road embarked banner presumptions.' nevertheless uses reasoning selectively, concept root often something else masquerading doctrine. else, course, kind problem susceptible treatment Most women, percentage them normal biological function possessing, great majority defined difficulty attempted deal Rather, chose irrational classifications. 44 range emerge cases. Several side. records abound proof principal purpose behind adoption keep visibly sight schoolchildren.1 today objective, yet initial primacy casts shadow over Moreover, after-the-fact rationalizations proposed unsupported records. emphasize absenteeism, discipline, schoolchildren, expectant No concerns. failed demonstrate fact threatened continued sure, fostering teaching. jeopardize interest. classifications boards, shown, counterproductive irrationally overinclusive regard significant, nonillusory rational-basis standards review.2 46 speaking teaching, referring reducing number new assigned class. particularly turnover middle semester, approach, teacher-pupil relationships, impaired. aspect delivery, approves, 649, rationally four- five-months prebirth periods post-birth points out, 642—643, likely prevent preserve it. inevitably removal near provoking disruption hope avoid. 47 reference encompasses need assure constant coverage up task. legitimate. disputes itself emotional capabilities objectionable portions appear bottomed factually assumptions perform jobs. overwhelming weight adduced undergoing pregnancies quite carrying responsibilities ill-defined short Certainly little contradict conclusion. appears forcing term, compel able-bodied work.3 Once policies inhibit, further, apparent reason, remove substitutes. 48 reliance takes obvious needs. know temporarily cease responsibilities, substitutes scheduled fill vacancies. appears, purpose.4 produces unemployment boards. 49 above believe linkage ends attenuated overturned degree latitude Court, read it, dealing real recurrent problems presented pregnancies. demand 'substantial (pregnancy) ..' Ante, 643. Subject restrictions, 'at .' 647 n. 13.5 holds restrict reentry outset term delivery. 649. 50 class-wide standards.6 confronted sensitive widely variable education, operation systems general application. E.g., San Antonio Independent Rodriguez, 42—43, 1278, 1301—1302, measure discretion essential effective discharge vested local, elective, units. My that, carried logical extremes, emphasis war discretion. stringent insistence impractical district thousands 51 reservations rationale majority, gap attain wide. restructuring generally along lines indicated unavoidable. REHNQUIST, whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE joins (dissenting). 53 rests invalidation involved claim sexual discrimination Brother thereby enlists quixotic engagement apparently unending presumptions. told although 'requiring pregnancy,' 13, muster, law. 54 Chief pointed dissent 'literally statutes duration, less perfect, are, improved determinations 462, 2241. Hundreds years ago England, Parliament came thought body having lawmaking power, controversies determined benefit consider shift sort determination, ad hoc King's representative, relatively uniform enacted exercising authority, step forward achievement civilized political society. late weigh against established consensus. 55 Countless federal draw which, analysis, Columbia Code, draws respect purposes. Code vote age,1 male contracted,2 alcoholic beverages sold years,3 beer light wines years.4 obtain permit motor vehicle,5 delegate old.6 Nothing clearly demonstrates why logic equally sustain laws 17-year-old insists he voting 18-year-old, 20-year-old able carry liquor 21-year-old, numerous persons fall outside statutes. 56 More closely jeopardy places longstanding retirement employees. Title 8335 Civil Service employees: 57 '(a) Except provided section, employee 70 completes service shall automatically separated service. 58 Stewart concurring 168, 734, 147, 'the 'liberty' covers freedoms explicitly named Rights. Cf. Truax Raich, 239 33, 41, 7, 60 131.' said: 59 argument show living common occupations community essence opportunity secure.' 10, 131 (1915). Since pursue occupation presumably lofty footing life, strain valiantly today's lead event federal, state, bodies remitted task, thankless employees involved, impairment senility. 61 before, Williamson Lee Optical Co., 348 483, 75 461, 99 563 (1955), bears repeating here: All legislation involves drawing lines, results individuals disadvantaged virtually indistinguishable disenchantment presumptions,' preference 'individualized determination,' attack notion itself. city stage suggest possibility impairment. aware, suggests fastened question, probability increases advances. anywhere room, find judicial standard measurement ones invalid. therefore dissent. provides: 'Any married desires future absence pay. 'APPLICATION (5) forwarded Superintendent (2) absence. exceed years. 'REASSIGNMENT leaves earlier child's (3) unusual circumstances, exceptions approval Board. Written request (6) expects accompanied stating examination. 'When qualifies vacancy certificate, exact became effective. 'A failure follow construed contract grounds dismissal.' (Emphasis original.) LaFleur's born July 1971; Nelson's August year. Effective February amended continuous resign had notified pregnant, originally position. conceded amendment apply executed. concession, LaFleur, leave. Judge Phillips part. He felt portion constitutional; post-delivery waiting becoming 'MATERNITY PROVISIONS 'a. 'b. Termination (4) extended superintendent receives recommendations mother's principal, feels extension best pupils involved. 'c. Maternity Leave '(1) employment. '(2) record performance. '(3) An full-time full '(4) re-employment. '(5) accrued, including seniority, retained unless concerned accepted '(6) system discharged responsibility offering occurs re-employment.' May Unlike allows schools extend beyond date, determines action 5, supra. Apart review, reported appellate opinions regulations. Compare 629 (CA2), Buckley Coyle Public System, 476 (CA10) (both invalidating Schattman Texas Employment Comm'n, 459 (CA5) (upholding agency). courts leaves, see, e.g., Heath Westerville 345 501 (SD Ohio); Pocklington Duval Board, 163 (MD Fla.); Bravo City Chicago, 155 (ND Ill.); Williams Francisco Unified District, 340 438 Cal.); Seaman Spring Lake Park 363 944 (Minn.); Monell Department Social Services, 357 1051 (SDNY). Struck Secretary Defense, 460 1372 (CA9), vacated issue mootness 409 1071, 676, 660; Gutierrez Laird, 346 289 (DC); Robinson Rand, (Colo.) (all Air Force separation personnel). practical somewhat lessened recent developments. At VII Act 1964, 78 Stat. 253, 2000e seq., agencies institutions. §§ 2000e(b) 2000e—1. On 24, 1972, Opportunity 1972 withdraw exemptions. Pub.L. 261, 103. Shortly thereafter, Commission promulgated guidelines presumptively VII. CFR 1604.10, Fed.Reg. 6837. amendments inapplicable now us, future. Commission, forbidding workers sick policies. See, 630.401(b) (Civil Commission); 60—20.3(g) (Office Federal Contract Compliance). Koontz, Childbirth Child Rearing Leave: Job-Related Benefits, N.Y.L.F. 480, 487—490; comment, Love's Labors Lost: New Conceptions Leaves, Harv.Civ. Rights-Civ.Lib.L.Rev. 260, 280—281. We, express validity inspired other, weighty, considerations. Dr. Mark C. Schinnerer, served Schools adopted, testified save embarrassment hands giggling schoolchildren; 'began show.' members schoolchildren conspicuously women. One member 'not system' 'because kids say, swallowed water melon, things that.' FC contended considerations work; note comments role outmoded taboos F.2d, 635 ('Whatever reaction Queen Victoria's dirty word'). is, premature childbirth complications upset careful plans teacher, substitute, indicate emergencies handled, others, emergency process. Green, 635—636. furthering continuity, weeks' commence. witnesses case: Sarah Marcus Veners Rutenbeigs (Mrs. obstetrician), behalf respondents, William Weir, petitioners' expert. Weir disagreed colleagues potential effects performance, matter, prescribed such. Leo Dunn David Forrest, managed matter. R. Benson, Handbook Obstetrics & Gynecology, 109 (4th ed. 1971); Curran, Law: Teachers, 285 England Medicine, 336; Comment, Mandatory Absence Policies—An Analysis, Temp.L.Q. 240, 245. circumstance. occasion records—for widespread consensus 'disabling' effect performance days, showing cutoffs labor classroom, adequate procured certainty begin. available submit physician, current certification obstetrician evaluating relies procedures. nn. supra; text, infra, clear factual hypothesis presumption—that months—is true. 209 (patient 'full activity employment' course progress week normal). Harv.Civ.Rights-Civ.Lib.L.Rev., 11, 287 145. Of based theory—that mothers busy within Viewed light, whose underlying hardly valid. interfere duties. abuse, anything routinely sought employers prospective employees—that worker devote attention Nor accept 641, 9. sexbased invoke strict scrutiny, Frontiero Richardson, 677, 1764, 583 (1973), involve sex all. Whether aspects disability classifications, articulated indeed stake here, shown furthered Teachers undergo abnormal disabled, period. disability. 642, 10. needs mere two-week departure forth regulation. brief language specify point, issue, five-month dates. language, four-week acceptable. agree meet 799 13. mandates imposed base 'widespread .,' 'only accomplishing demonstration needed services impossible obtain, ibid., handicapped notes, arose extending 92—261, 639 n 8. Like address D.C.Code Ann. 1—1102 30—103. 25—121. Ibid. 40—301. 1—291(b)(2).

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