Document: 419 U.S. 565 95 S.Ct. 729 42 L.Ed.2d 725 Norval GOSS et al., Appellants,v.Eileen LOPEZ al. No. 73—898. Argued Oct. 16, 1974. Decided Jan. 22, 1975. Syllabus Appellee Ohio public high school students, who had been suspended from for misconduct up to 10 days without a hearing, brought class action against appellant officials seeking declaration that the statute permitting such suspensions was unconstitutional and an order enjoining remove references students' records. A three-judge District Court declared appellees were denied due process of law in violation Fourteenth Amendment because they 'suspended hearing prior suspension or within reasonable time thereafter,' implementing regulations unconstitutional, granted requested injunction. Held: 1. Students facing temporary have property liberty interests qualify protection under Due Process Clause Amendment. Pp. 572 576. (a) Having chosen extend right education people appellees' generally, may not withdraw on grounds misconduct, absent fundamentally fair procedures determine whether has occurred, must recognize student's legitimate entitlement as interest is protected by Clause, be taken away observing minimum required Clause. 573—574. (b) Since charges if sustained recorded could seriously damage reputation well interfere with later educational employment opportunities, State's claimed unilaterally occurred immediately collides Clause's prohibition arbitrary deprivation liberty. 574—575. (c) 10-day de minimis imposed complete disregard Neither benefits temporarily nor so insubstantial constitutionally any procedure chooses, no matter how arbitrary. 575 2. requires, connection less, student given oral written notice him and, he denies them, explanation evidence authorities opportunity present his version. Generally, should precede removal school, since almost follow but are feasible, where presence endangers persons threatens disruption academic process, thus justifying immediate necessary soon practicable. 577—584. 372 F.Supp. 1279, affirmed. Thomas A. Bustin, Columbus, Ohio, appellants. Peter D. Roos, Cambridge, Mass., appellees. Mr. Justice WHITE delivered opinion Court. 1 This appeal various administrators Public School System (CPSS) challenges judgment federal court, declaring appellees—various students CPSS—were contrary command their schools either thereafter, all 2 * law, Rev.Code Ann. § 3313.64 (1972), provides free children between ages six 21. Section 3313.66 Code empowers principal suspend pupil expel him. In case, notify parents 24 hours state reasons action. expelled, parents, decision Board Education therewith shall permitted heard at board meeting. The reinstate following hearing. No similar provided other provision student. Aside regulation tracking statute, imposition this case CPSS itself issued applicable suspensions.1 Nor, far record reflects, individual involved case.2 Each, however, formally informally described conduct which imposed. 3 nine named appellees, each whom alleged she Columbus pursuant 3313.66, filed U.S.C. 1983 CPSS. complaint sought it deprive plaintiffs rights kind, procedural component It also enjoin issuing future require them past records question.3 4 proof below established arose out period widespread unrest during February March 1971. Six plaintiffs, Rudolph Sutton, Tyrone Washington, Susan Cooper, Deborah Fox, Clarence Byars, Bruce Harris, Marion-Franklin High days4 account disruptive disobedient committed administrator ordered suspension. One these, among group demonstrating auditorium while being conducted there. He leave, refused do so, suspended. principal, physically attacked police officer attempting Washington auditorium. four conduct. None operative facts underlying suspension, each, together her offered attend conference, subsequent effective date discuss future. 5 Two Dwight Lopez Betty Crome, Central McGuffey Junior School, respectively. former disturbance lunchroom some physical property.5 testified least 75 same day. party destructive instead innocent bystander. Because one regard incident, there indicating official basis concluding otherwise. never 6 Crome demonstration than attending. There arrested others, station, released charged. Before went day, notified period. respect does disclose about making what information based. clear ever held. 7 testimony ninth plaintiff, Carl Smith. files silent although some, all, contained direct copies letters sent advising 8 On evidence, court (1972) thereto suspensions.6 plaintiffs' removed files. 9 Although imposing upon particular disciplinary leaving 'free adopt providing consonant goals reflective characteristics locality,' 'minimum requirements except emergency situations.' explication, stated relevant authority would: (1) permit '(i)mmediate whose disrupts atmosphere fellow teachers officials, damages property'; (2) proceedings them; (3) held, present, 72 removal. Finally, that, nature cases statements support charge produced, others make defense mitigation, need attendance counsel. defendant appealed court's decision. request injunction—ordering defendants expunge records—this jurisdiction 28 1253. We affirm. II 11 At outset, appellants contend constitutional expense, protect expulsions system. position misconceives issue refuted decisions. forbids State person life, liberty, law. Protected normally 'not created Constitution. Rather, dimensions defined' independent source statutes rules entitling citizen certain benefits. Regents v. Roth, 408 564, 577, 92 2701, 2709, 33 548 (1972). 12 Accordingly, employee promulgated claim continued sufficient cause discharge demand protections process. Connell Higginbotham, 403 207, 91 1772, 29 418 (1971); Wieman Updegraff, 344 183, 191—192, 73 215, 218—219, 97 L.Ed. 216 (1952); Arnett Kennedy, 416 134, 164, 94 1633, 1649, 40 15 (Powell, J., concurring); 171, 1652 (White, concurring dissenting) (1974). So welfare recipients statutory long maintain specified qualifications. Goldberg Kelly, 397 254, 90 1011, 25 287 (1970). Morrissey Brewer, 471, 2593, 484 applied limitations governmental decisions revoke parole, parolee status. like vein Wolff McDonnell, 539, 2963, 41 935 (1974), triggered cancellation prisoner's good-time credits accumulated those mandated 13 Here, plainly claims education. §§ 3313.48 (1972 Supp.1973) local provide residents five 21 years age, compulsory-attendance requires year less 32 weeks. 3321.04 true permits principals days; whatsoever. All own specifying expulsion absent, occurred. supra, 1649 concurring), dissenting), 206, 1670 (Marshall, dissenting). 14 obligated establish system, nevertheless done its attend. Those young 'shed rights' schoolhouse door. Tinker Des Moines Independent Community Dist., 393 503, 506, 89 733, 736, 731 (1969). 'The Amendment, now States, protects creatures—Boards excepted.' West Virginia Barnette, 319 624, 637, 63 1178, 1185, 87 1628 (1943). possessed prescribe enforce standards schools, concededly very broad, exercised consistently safeguards. Among things, constrained adherence deprivations 'Where person's good name, reputation, honor, integrity stake government doing him,' minimal satisfied. Wisconsin Constantineau, 400 433, 437, 507, 510, 27 515 573, 2707. here periods based misconduct. If recorded, standing pupils opportunities higher employment.7 apparent 16 Appellants proceed argue even comes into play only when subjects 'severe detriment grievous loss.' loss days, said, neither severe therefore relevance. Appellants' argument again our decisions; determining 'whether apply first place, we look 'weight' stake.' 570—571, 2705—2706. Appellees excluded temporarily, true, length consequent severity deprivation, another factor weigh appropriate form 'is decisive basic right' kind. Fuentes Shevin, 407 67, 86, 1983, 1997, 556 Court's view minimis, gravity irrelevant question Sniadach Family Finance Corp., 395 337, 342, 1820, 1823, 23 349 (1969) (Harlan, Boddie Connecticut, 401 371, 378 379, 780, 786, 113 supra,, U.S., 570 n. 8, S.Ct., 2705. 17 short is, course, milder expulsion. But, 'education perhaps most important function governments,' Brown Education, 347 483, 493, 74 686, 691, 98 873 (1954), total exclusion more trivial period, certainly serious event life child. implicated, arbitrary.8 III 18 'Once determined applies, remains due.' 481, 2600. turn question, fully realizing regularly interpretation application intensely practical matters '(t)he negates concept inflexible universally every imaginable situation.' Cafeteria Workers McElroy, 367 886, 895, 81 1743, 1748, 1230 (1961). mindful admonition: 19 'Judicial interposition operation system Nation raises problems requiring care restraint. . By large, control authorities.' Epperson Arkansas, 97, 104, 266, 270, 228 (1968). 20 bench marks guide us, however. Mullane Hanover Trust Co., 339 306, 70 652, 865 (1950), often invoked opinions, said '(m)any controversies raged crytic abstract words can doubt adjudication preceded case.' Id., 313, 657. fundamental requisite heard,' Grannis Ordean, 234 385, 394, 34 779, 783, 58 1363 (1914), 'has little reality worth unless informed pending choose himself contest.' 314, See Armstrong Manzo, 380 545, 550, 85 1187, 1190, 62 (1965); Joint Anti-Fascist Committee McGrath, 341 123, 168—169, 71 646—647, 817 (1951) (Frankfurter, concurring). minimum, therefore, interference kind afforded 'Parties affected entitled heard; enjoy notified.' Baldwin Hale, Wall. 223, 233, 531 (1864). appears timing content will depend accommodation competing involved. 1748; avoid unfair mistaken unfortunate consequences. shield properly imposed, disserves both fact unwarranted. concern would mostly totally accurate, unerring unfair. Unfortunately, suggests is. Disciplinarians, proceeding utmost faith, frequently act reports advice others; controlling challenge disputed. risk error trivial, guarded prohibitive cost 22 difficulty vast complex. Some modicum discipline essential performed. Events calling frequent occurrences sometimes immediate, Suspension considered tool valuable device. prospect elaborate viewed great concern, many prefer untrammeled power unilaterally, unhampered But strange institution communication disciplinarian effort inform dereliction let tell side story sure injustice done. '(F)airness rarely obtained secret, one-sided determination rights. .' 'Secrecy congenial truth-seeking self-righteousness gives too slender assurance rightness. better instrument devised arriving truth give jeopardy meet it.' 170, 172—173, 647—649 concurring).9 believe operate acceptable efficiency. qualifying story. these rudimentary precautions findings school.10 delay 'notice' majority minutes after hold explain version discussion, told accused accusation Lower courts addressed reached conclusion. Tate 453 F.2d 975, 979 (CA8 1972); Vail 354 592, 603 (NH 1973). occur follows general rule school. agree Court, recurring situations cannot insisted upon. poses continuing danger ongoing threat disrupting cases, practicable, indicated. holding do, disciplinarians inappropriate classroom setting. Instead are, anything, fair-minded impose suspensions. Indeed, according informal procedure, remarkably require, generally followed case. Similarly, recent memorandum entire CPSS, see 1, much described. 26 stop construing countrywide, hearings afford secure counsel, confront cross-examine witnesses supporting charge, call verify incident. Brief countless. To truncated trial-type might overwhelm administrative facilities places diverting resources, save effectiveness. Moreover, further formalizing escalating formality adversary costly regular destroy effectiveness part teaching hand, events meaningful hedge erroneous alerted existence disputes arguments effect. then summon accuser, cross-examination, allow witnesses. difficult event, discretion think substantially reduced. Requiring give-and-take disciplinarian, preferably add factfinding witnessed forming charge. things always seem be, characterize put deems proper context. ourselves solely exceeding days. Longer remainder term, permanently, formal procedures. Nor aside possibility unusual situations, involving something required. IV 30 found before invalid insofar 31 Affirmed. POWELL, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, BLACKMUN, REHNQUIST join, dissenting. today invalidates 'for ten days.'1 unnecessarily opens avenues judicial intervention affect adversely quality holds courts, rather legislatures, routine teenagers schools. justifies unprecedented intrusion elementary secondary identifying new right: single day promptly suspension.2 rests premise Amendment's hearing.3 my view, infringed limited prescribed extent arguable infringement, speculative, transitory, justify rule. 35 held San Antonio Dist. Rodriguez, 411 35, 93 1278, 1297, 36 (1973), Constitution, elected youths age 21, 3313.48, Supp.1973), compelled 3321.01 seq. extends accordance laws State. See, e.g., (1972); (1974) subject protections, opinions 'are defined existing understandings stem law.' 2709 (emphasis supplied). creates 'free' explicitly authorizes 3313.64, Supp.1973). Thus legislation 'defines' 'dimension' entitlement, accord encompassed package provisions governing Ohio—of one. 37 disregards structure posturing conferred unqualified education, thereby compelling conform discipline.4 38 however define I conclude days' measure, assume dimensions. Contrary assertion, 'refute' appellants' 'the loss." Ante, 575. Recently, reiterated precisely standard analyzing claims: 39 'Whether depends 'condemned suffer Refugee 168, 646, quoted 263, 1018, (1970).' 2600, parole revocation ground 'inflicts 'grievous loss' others.' 482, 2601. 2707 ('seriously damage' standing); Bell Burson, 402 535, 1586, 1589, (1971) ('important licensees'); ('significant interest').5 allows significant infringement maximum eight 5% normal 180-day year. Absences duration pupil's learn scholastic performance. reflects injury Each completed semester performed previous years.6 Despite unsupported speculation 'seriously damage(d)' (ante, 575), factual showing relies perceived 'liberty' resulting arguing—again pertaining appellees—that harms reputation. thought untenable. Underscoring 'serious Roth nontenured teacher rehired university reputational protections.7 Surely brief consequence teenage 43 decisions, recognized broad discretionary daily includes wide latitude maintaining order. Addressing point specifically, 737, (1969): 44 '(T)he repeatedly emphasized affirming comprehensive States consistent safeguards, schools.'8 45 Such approach recognizes unique correspondingly role judiciary supervision. (1968), stated: 46 'By authorities. Courts connot intervene resolution conflicts arise systems directly sharply implicate values.' 47 turns back precedents. hardly principal's 'directly Ibid. 48 ignores experience mankind, history recognizing differences accommodated duties compared adults. Examples distinction abound law: contracts, torts, criminal sanctions rehabilitation, vote office. Until today, special context First Tinker, analogized adults accorded college students. Even regarded 'co-extensive adults.' 515, 741 (Stewart, 49 considerations regarding 'to schools.' 737. Unlike divergent sharp conflict usually asserted, implicated—of through pupils—are essentially congruent. 50 interest, broadly put, functioning benefit generally. Few rulings extensively subjecting formalities oversight Suspensions traditional means—ranging keeping permanent expulsion—used common knowledge decorum buildings classrooms major problem, increased significantly magnitude years.9 Often teacher, protecting (if safety), rely suspend. 51 set forth margin10 leave room problem reliance They demonstrate substantial percentage short-term suspensions, else. B 52 generalized orderly incompatible sense inculcation understanding necessity obedience thereto. learning read write. comprehend meaning handicapped merely throughout life. home church diminishing shaping character value judgments young, heavier responsibility falls When immature merits censure conduct, rendered disservice formalized invite teacher's authority11—an invitation rebellious spirited likely accept. 53 lesson self-interest personality; early relevance social compact others. laboratory best learned. Black summed up: 54 'School discipline, parental integral training citizens—to citizens.' 524, 746 (dissenting opinion). 55 assessing terms minor authorities, commonality thinks situation. sure, occasional mistakenly infraction frequency unjust numerous relation number, mistakes injustices righted means. C 56 disturbing aspects today's indiscriminate judiciary, means resolving arising classroom. mandating misapprehends teacher-pupil relationship. relationship, occupy roles—educator, adviser, friend, times, parent-substitute.12 chronically insubordinate frustrating formalities.13 57 Board, compatible relationship relied generations experience, faith dedication staff schools,14 nonadversary airing grievances available parents. method concerned resort constitutionalized blandly D constitutionalizing represents unwise extension quite unnecessary safeguards statute. demonstrable comparison mandates protective finds insufficient. 59 limiting including 'reasons therefor' pupil, Education. mere requirement deterrent principal. sensitive constituent relations, expected identify inquiry. placed exercise constituents going member thereof dissatisfied 60 'hearing' appear already available. listen 'version events,' thereafter depending circumstances. 583. considerably correcting conference officials. 61 rush mandate rule, weight manner worked law.15 doubt, then, constitutionalization student-teacher attendant doctrinal difficulties, assure greater foresee ultimate frontiers 'thicket' enters. Today's ruling sweep multitude Teachers consequences pupil. decide, example, grade work, passes fails course,16 promoted, take subjects, interscholastic athletics17 extracurricular activities, another, bused distances nearby, 'general,' 'vocational,' 'college-preparatory' track. impairment one's identical principle asserted equal justification. Likewise, advance types speculative subjective critical Distrit relying concluded psychological ways margin below.18 rationale. ante, 64 student, result day's suffers 'a blow' 'self esteem,' 'feels powerless,' views 'teachers resentment,' feels 'stigmatized reachers,' flow failing grade, assigned reserved average ability, 'vocational' 'college preparatory' track, unlikely relatively infraction.19 65 If, seems apparent, whenever challenged, impact indeed. across land substituted 50-state 14,000 boards,20 2,000,00021 heretofore responsible administration American perceives rational analytically sound above, prudent articulate opinion. Otherwise, prepare themselves society. 66 Not ago, forms largesse resulted state-provided 'benefit.' E.g., Bailey Richardson, 86 U.S.App.D.C. 248, 182 aff'd equally divided 918, 669, 1352 (1951). wisely rejected 'wooden 'rights' 'privileges," 571, 2706, looked significance state-created state-enforced substantiality deprivation. abandon effect entitled, inconsequential protection. As consequential junior perceive principled limit reach process.22 1010.04 Administrative Guide Schools provided: 'Pupils expelled Revised Code.' Subsequent lawsuit, Department Pupil Personnel three memoranda relating procedures, dated August 1971, 1973, July 10, two third, apparently argued, obligation 'investigate' 'before commencing procedures'; 'be offense,' 'unavailable' discussion 'unwilling' participate it. made, memoranda. judgment, expunction order, propriety According Phillip Fulton, School. occurring describe purpose send form, There, obtain story, conflicted version, version—apparently Fulton discrepancy still existed, believed arrive bring behalf accordingly. restrain 'enforcement' 'operation' 'by restraining enforcement execution statute,' 2281 convened. adequately vagueness overbreadth Fox separate occasions—the second return addition Sutton transferred actually over misunderstanding letter purports compulsory voluntarily staying away. Upon asserting affording (Emphasis supplied.) However, language light expressly contemplates circumstances promptly. assert randomly selected colleges specifically inquire applicant admission 34—35 40. employers information. Congress recently enacted access receiving funds. 513 Amendments 1974, Pub.L. 380, 88 Stat. 1232g (1970 ed., Supp. IV), adding 438 General Provisions Act. That section preclude release 'verified recurrent behavior patterns' consent While subsection 513(b)(1)(B) 'other intends enroll,' condition parent advised insure inclusion inaccurate misleading contest record. landmark Appeals Fifth Circuit Dixon Alabama 294 150, cert. denied, 368 930, 82 368, 193 (1961), lower uniformly made tax-supported institutions enough classified Hagopian Knowlton, 470 201, 211 (CA2 Wasson Trowbridge, 382 807, 812 1967); Esteban Missouri College, 415 1077, 1089 1969), 398 965, 2169, (1970); Vought Van Buren Schools, 306 1388 (ED Mich. 1969); Whitfield Simpson, 312 889 Ill.1970); Fielder Winnebago, Neb., 346 722, (D.C.Neb.1972); DeJesus Penberthy, 70, (D.C.Conn.1972); Soglin Kauffman, 295 978, 994 (WD Wis.1968);, aff'd, 163 (CA7 Stricklin University Wisconsin, 297 416, 420 Wis.1969), dismissed, 1257 1970); Buck Carter, 308 1246 Wis.1970); Order Judicial Standards Procedure Substance Review Student Discipline Tax Supported Institutions Higher F.R.D. 133, 147—148 (W.D. Mo.1968) (en banc). uniform, shorter qualify. assumed Pervis LaMarque Ind. 466 1054 (CA5 indefinite Sullivan Houston 475 1071 (CA5), 414 1032, 461, 323 (1973); 30-day Williams Dade County 441 299 1971); North Fort Meyers Jr.-Sr. Williams, 957 'mild' Farrell Joel, 437 160 1971), 975 three-day Shanley Northeast Bexar Texas, 462 960, 967 inapplicable seven-day Linwood Ed. City Peoria, 463 763 (CA7), 409 1027, 475, 320 Dunn Tyler 460 137 'more few days,' Murray Baton Rouge Parish 472 1973); short, Coalition Portland 1040 (CA9 Federal interim supra; Banks Instruction County, 314 285 (SD Fla.1970), vacated, 988, 1223, 526 (for entry fresh decree timely Appeals), 450 1103 Portsmouth 592 Mills Columbia, 348 866 (DC 1972), Givens Poe, 202 (WDNC Hernadez Number One, Denver, Colorado, 315 289 (D.C.Colo.1970); Baker Downey 307 517 (CD Cal.1969); Hatter Los Angeles District, 310 1309 Cal.1970), rev'd grounds, 452 673 1971). inapplicable, simply felt received 'due' absence procedure. illustrate point. did mass arrests made—hardly guaranteeing careful individualized She arrested. suspended, along lunchroom. says belief involved, correct merits, inconsistent giving persuade administrations Lopez' everyone preserve property; burden 'hearings' considerable. gathering confronting explain. way review. 2506.01 (Supp.1973). cite review used official. used, insufficient inadequate level. First, proceeding, Shaker Coventry Corp. Heights Planning Comm'n, Op.2d 272, 176 N.E.2d 332 novo. re Locke, App.2d 177, 230 school—even procedures—is proceeding. Second, contrary, stayed meanwhile irreparably lose limitation time-honored practice superintendent (italics supplied); notification guardian writing pupils, thereon guardian. concerns Expulsion, semester, incomparably traditionally sanction enforcing discipline. Statute distinction. speaks 'exclusion .,' 576, makes invokes today. reads implication qualification 'cause,' analogizing civil service whim caprice official, therefor.' draws drastic latter. analysis, legislature intended—without saying so—that causes justified unsoundness reading sort Arnett. nonprobationary employees discharged 'cause.' reflected congressional recognition seriousness discharging employees. analogy termination implying justifiable stretched proportions quotes portion Frankfurter's concurrence (1951), refers 580 'de minimis' referred Harlan (1969), footnote 1999, Both Fuentes, private parties claiming property. pertained App. 163—171 (testimony Goss, Director Personnel). 1291 (1971), quoting articulated supra. dissent issue, agreement overseeing decisions: 'I am reluctant disagreement myself proposition widest institutions.' 526, 747. S. Bailey, Disruption Urban Secondary (1970), summarizes surveys disruption. Syracuse study, 85% responding reported type 1967—1970. An amicus Children's Defense Fund states 10% senior sampled times 1972—1973 data conclusion extensive survey prepared Office Civil Rights Health, Welfare. reviewed States—Arkansas, Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina. submitted several associations indicates number significant: 1972—1973, 4,054 enrollment 81,007 Cincinnati; 7,352 57,000 Akron; 14,598 142,053 Cleveland. Survey, finding approximately 20,000 York City, 12,000 Cleveland, 9,000 Houston, Memphis once figures probably somewhat conservative reply survey. J. Dobson, Dare society historically honored respected one, rooted decades left us warm memories teachers, especially formative primary regard, manifestly different recipient (see (1970)), motor vehicle department driver (1971)), debtor creditor Mitchell W. T. Grant 600, 1895, 406 (1974)), (1972)), employer (1974)). noneducation settings is—for purposes analysis—a 'faceless' dealing license; garnishment repossession conflict-of-interest Our premised other. typical 'conflict interest.' marked coincidence interests. Yet comparable competitive environment adult, commercial world. analysis implicit office functionary challenged. 163, 644 setting degree for, commitment to, contexts. imposes 'if suspensions.' Connelly Vermont, 244 156 (D.C.Vt.1956). Kelley Metropolitan Nashville, 293 485 (MD Tenn. 1968). injuries follows: '1. self-esteem. '2. powerless helpless. '3. resentment, suspicion fear. '4. learns withdrawal mode solving. '5. perception know offending acts committed. '6. stigmatized deviant. expect troublemaker future.' F.Supp., 1292. modern psychiatric persuasion maintains detrimental. Whatever wisdom unproved theory, affords dependable theory's proponents concede primarily child teenager. reprimand traumatic shy, timid introvert aggressive, extrovert. tend perspective proportion For average, children—the detriment; commonplace occurrence, suspended; leaves scars; affects reputations; indeed, badge welcome holiday. estimate supplied National Association, D.C. Elementary Statistics, 1972—1973. half dozen extended pupils. Black, dissenting, ushering 'an entirely era 'officials supported schools' Supreme Court.' 741, unduly concerned. prophecy fulfilled. literally hundreds schoolchildren alleging flood litigation, narrowly joined facts. speculate disrupted school-child arguably infringes state-conferred

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