Document: 493 U.S. 182 110 S.Ct. 577 107 L.Ed.2d 571 UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, Petitionerv.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION. No. 88-493. Argued Nov. 7, 1989. Decided Jan. 9, 1990. Syllabus After petitioner university denied tenure to associate professor Rosalie Tung, she filed a charge with respondent Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleging discrimination on the basis of race, sex, and national origin in violation Title VII Civil Rights Act 1964. In course its investigation, EEOC issued subpoena seeking, inter alia, Tung's tenure-review file files five male faculty members identified as having received more favorable treatment than Tung. Petitioner refused produce number tenure-file documents applied for modification exclude what it termed "confidential peer review information." The application successfully sought enforcement by District Court. Court Appeals affirmed, rejecting petitioner's claim that policy considerations First Amendment principles academic freedom required recognition qualified privilege or adoption balancing approach would require demonstrate some particularized need, beyond showing relevance, obtain materials. Held: A does not enjoy special requiring judicial finding necessity access, mere before materials pertinent charges decisions are disclosed EEOC. Pp. 188-202. (a) claimed cannot be grounded common law under Federal Rule Evidence 501. This is reluctant recognize asserted where appears Congress, expressly extending VII's coverage educational institutions 1972 thereafter continuing afford broad right access any evidence "relevant" balanced substantial costs invidious higher learning against importance autonomy, but did see fit create documents. fact, Congress provide modicum protection an employer's interest confidentiality records making crime employees publicize institution court proceedings obtained during investigations. has offered persuasive justification this should go further thought necessary safeguard confidentiality. Disclosure will often order determine whether illegal taken place. Moreover, requirement specific reason disclosure, place litigation-producing obstacle EEOC's way give universities weapon frustrate It also lead wave similar claims other employers, such writers, publishers, musicians, lawyers, who play significant roles furthering speech society. Furthermore, supported Court's precedents recognizing privileges Presidential grand petit jury communications deliberative intra-agency documents, since lacks historical, constitutional, statutory those privileges. 188-195. (b) Nor can "academic freedom." Petitioner's reliance so-called cases somewhat misplaced, since, invalidating various governmental actions, dealt attempts control were content based constituted direct infringement grounds could teach. contrast, here allege content-based regulation only "quality instruction scholarship [will] decline" result burden subpoenas process. at issue criteria must use selecting teachers prevent from using proscribed VII, therefore respects legitimate decisionmaking. event, embrace effect derived relied expanded protect confidential disclosure. By comparison which recognized right, complained-of extremely attenuated disclosure far removed and, if accepted, many generally applicable laws, tax might said infringe extent they affected hiring. addition, injury speculative, norm all systems, evaluations take even "special necessity" test adopted. assume most evaluators become less candid possibility increases. case Branzburg v. Hayes, 408 665, 92 2646, 33 626, where, contention prohibited reporter testify information confidence without testimony was necessary, declared invalidate every incidental burdening press may id., 682, 2657, indicated reluctance constitutional uncertain scope, 693, 703, 2662, 2668. 195-202. 850 F.2d 969 (CA3 1988), affirmed. BLACKMUN, J., delivered opinion unanimous Rex E. Lee, Washington, D.C., petitioner. Sol. Gen. Kenneth W. Starr, respondent. Justice BLACKMUN 1 we asked decide enjoys privilege, either Amendment, relevant racial sexual decisions. 2 * University Pennsylvania, here, private institution. currently operates 12 schools, including Wharton School Business, collectively enroll approximately 18,000 full-time students. 3 1985, faculty. Tung then sworn (EEOC Commission). App. 23. As subsequently amended, alleged victim origin, § 703(a) 1964, 78 Stat. 255, 42 U.S.C. 2000e-2(a) (1982 ed.), makes unlawful "to discriminate individual respect his compensation, terms, conditions, employment, because individual's color, religion, origin." 4 her charge, stated department chairman had sexually harassed that, belief, after insisted their relationship remain professional, he submitted negative letter University's Personnel Committee possessed ultimate responsibility She qualifications "equal better than" named treatment. noted majority recommended tenure, been given no decision her, discovered own efforts attempted justify "on ground interested China-related research." 29. explanation, alleged, pretext discrimination: "simply saying do want Chinese-American, Oriental, woman school." Ibid. undertook investigation into requested variety When certain information, Commission's Acting Director among things, charge. Id., 21. information," specifically, (1) letters written evaluators; (2) chairman's evaluation; (3) reflecting internal deliberations committees considering applications Department Evaluation Report summarizing relating tenure; (4) comparable portions males. urged "adopt societal inherent process" resort "all feasible methods minimize intrusive effects investigations." Exhibit Memorandum Support Application Order Show Cause 6. 5 application. concluded withheld needed merit charges. found: "There enough data supplied there reasonable cause believe allegations race [sic] true." Pet. Cert. A31. rejected letter, set forth Committee's reasons denying sufficient disposition "The fall short obligation" investigate discrimination, stated, "if stopped once [the employer] . provided employment decisions, verifying discrimination." A32. proposed test, explaining "such instant impair ability fully A33. response forthcoming within 20 days. 6 continued withhold United States Eastern Pennsylvania subpoena. entered brief order.1 A35. 7 Third Circuit affirmed decision. (1988).2 Relying upon earlier Franklin Marshall Col- lege, 775 (1985), cert. denied, 476 1163, 106 2288, 90 729 (1986), Because conflict Seventh Circuit's Notre Dame du Lac, 715 331, 337 (1983), issue, granted certiorari limited compelled-disclosure question. 488 992, 109 554, 102 581 (1988), amended 490 1015, 1660, 104 173 (1989). II 8 done Commission, Court, Appeals, raises essentially two claims. First, urges us common-law Second, asserts freedom" wholesale contested With each claims, remedy seeks same: Commission. 9 provides part: 10 "Except otherwise Constitution rules prescribed Supreme ., witness shall governed interpreted courts light experience." asks invoke provision fashion new integrity process, turn central proper functioning colleges universities. These special, observes petitioner, function "centers learning, innovation discovery." Brief June 23, 1989, p. 24 (hereinafter Petitioner). 11 We apply evidentiary unless "promotes sufficiently important interests outweigh need probative evidence. ." Trammel States, 445 40, 51, 100 906, 912, 63 186 (1980). Inasmuch "[t]estimonial exclusionary contravene fundamental principle 'the public man's evidence,' " 50, S.Ct., quoting Bryan, 339 323, 70 724, 730, 94 L.Ed. 884 (1950), "be strictly construed." U.S., 912. although 501 manifests congressional desire "not freeze privilege" rather flexibility develop case-by-case basis, 47, 910, disinclined exercise authority expansively. especially area considered competing concerns itself. Cf. 706, 2669, 626 (1972). conflicting type particularly legislative function. 13 mind, accept invitation begin noting providing powers, 14 enacted originally exempted "educational individuals perform work connected activities institution." 702, 255. Eight years later, eliminated exemption enacting 1972, 86 103. extension Congress' widespread compelling problem institutions. House focused specifically education, lack women minorities ranking (i.e., tenured) positions. See H.R.Rep. 92-238, pp. 19-20 (1971), U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News 2137, 2154-2155. Significantly, opponents weaken education interfering hire promote members.3 seriously contend oblivious autonomy when abandoned 15 elimination expose determinations same procedures previously observed "sets 'an integrated, multistep procedure' enables detect instances Shell Oil Co., 466 54, 62, 1621, 1627, 80 41 (1984), Occidental Life Ins. Co. EEOC, 432 355, 359, 97 2447, 2450, 53 402 (1977). responsibilities triggered filing discrimination. obligates "reasonable 2000e-5(b) ed.). If finds cause, directed dismiss find "endeavor eliminate [the] practice informal conference, conciliation, persuasion." voluntary resolution fail, bring action employer. 2000e-5(f)(1).4 16 To enable make informed stage 2000e-8(a) confers evidence: 17 "[T]he designated representative times have to, purposes examination, copy person being investigated relates practices covered Act] investigation." 18 employer refuses voluntarily, authorizes seek enforcing it. 2000e-9 (incorporating 29 161). 19 On face, §§ carve out materials, despite fact undoubtedly aware, extended coverage, potential material create. enforce subpoena, "satisfy itself valid 'relevant' assess contentions demand too indefinite made illegitimate purpose." "whether 'well founded' 'verifiable.' 72, n. 26, 1632, 26. concedes passes relevance Oil. Tr. Oral Arg. argues, nevertheless, affirmatively grants discretion Although recognizes gives "power 'relevant investigation,' 38 (emphasis added), contends provisions unqualified acquire 38-41. interpretation simply reconciled plain language text 2000e-8(a), states "shall access" added). read giving evidence, license 21 thus address situations records. 2000e-8 "unlawful officer employee manner whatever pursuant section prior proceeding" Act. subjects criminal penalties. sure, 2000e-8(e) complete.5 But this, anything, weakens argument. apparently confidentiality, protection. value, is, strike balance differently one Petitioner, however, offer suggestion. 22 readily agree American question, point, assertion process operate. ensue constitute side balance. recognized, associated very substantial. Few deny ferreting kind great, compelling, interest. Often, seems admit, Reply 15, Indeed, "smoking gun" found demonstrates likely tucked away files. expressed way: 23 "Clearly, perpetrator allowed pick choose agency investigation. There discriminatory intent notes memorand[a] [college] protect. Likewise, pertaining candidates time frame persons lesser pattern appears. [T]he reflected decision." College, F.2d, 116 deleted). "specific disclosure," 46, 705-706, 2668-2669. faced request well utilize frustrates mission. "place potent hands employers complying voluntarily Act, wish instead delay long possible investigations EEOC." 81, 1637. 25 Acceptance What lawyers? surely unreasonable believe, example, reviews part partnership firms. perceive limiting Accordingly, stand behind breakwater established: statute, choice. dislikes result, revise statute. 26 Finally, nothing our supports claim. Nixon, 418 683, 3090, 1039 (1974), relies, communications. true fashioning contexts: 27 "Human experience teaches expect dissemination remarks temper candor concern appearances detriment decisionmaking process." 705, 3106. 28 Nixon separation powers between branches Government. derive supremacy branch assigned duties. Certain flow nature enumerated powers; underpinnings." 3106-3107 (footnote omitted). discuss below, foundation. Douglas Cal. Petrol Stops Northwest, 441 211, 99 1667, 60 156 (1979), privileged proceedings. rule secrecy dated back 17th century, imported federal law, eventually codified Criminal Procedure 6(e) "an integral justice system." 218, 1672, 9. Similarly, Clark 289 1, 13, 465, 468, 77 993 (1933), votes jury, references "bear them implications immemorial tradition." More recently, NLRB Sears, Roebuck 421 132, 95 1504, 44 (1975), construed exception Freedom Information incorporated well-established historical basis. B 30 above, characterizes begins argument focusing attention acknowledging crucial role ideas society Amendment." Keyishian Board Regents New York, 385 589, 603, 87 675, 629 (1967). said: "Our Nation deeply committed safeguarding freedom, transcendent value merely concerned." Adler Education City 342 485, 511, 72 380, 394, 96 517 (1952) (academic "the pursuit truth designed protect" (Douglas, dissenting)). places Frankfurter's opinion, concurring Sweezy Hampshire, 354 234, 263, 1203, 1218, 1311 (1957), "four essential freedoms" possesses "determine teach 31 exercises determining teach" through awarding tenure. system, determines look like over time. "In therefore, doing shaping identity." 19. 32 next maintains element effective operation system. properly system requires detailed candidate's scholarship, both peers scholars evaluations, says traditionally express implied assurances ensures criteria. Building these premises, undermine existing freedom. public, "chilling effect" discussions result. And quality declines, longer able rely them. "This universities, achieve causing decline." 35. Compelling "also divisiveness tension, placing strain relations impairing free interchange hallmark prospect deleterious concludes compels privilege. 34 view, academic-freedom misplaced. government attempting engaged affiliated Sweezy, invalidated conviction contempt refusing answer questions about lecture state university. Keyishian, network laws employees, certifications membership Communist Party. When, cases, spoke speaking reaction regulation. 250, 1211 (plurality discussing problems imposition "strait jacket intellectual leaders universities"); Regents, 683 (discussing dangers present "pall orthodoxy" cast "over classroom"). 35 Fortunately, define today precise contours influence selection means,6 intended discourse toward particular points view. Instead, 36 Also, emphasis involved infringements teach." substitute teaching already institutions, directly completely usurping usurpation. teachers. preventing use, except those—including origin—that VII.7 keeping preservation employers' remaining choice, Price Waterhouse Hopkins, 228, 1775, 268 (1989) opinion), stressed avoiding second-guessing judgments. cautioned "judges substance genuinely show great faculty's professional judgment." Michigan Ewing, 474 214, 225, 507, 513, 88 523 (1985). Nothing say understood retreat 37 That complains neither nor necessarily mean Rather, means neatly relies. essence, sensitive content-neutral speech, see, e.g., Heffron International Society Krishna Consciousness, Inc., 452 640, 647-648, 101 2559, 2563-2564, 69 298 (1981), burdens sometimes pose concerns, NAACP Alabama ex rel. Patterson, 357 449, 1488 (1958), think cognizable claim, attenuated. repeat, argues infringed undermines choosing verbalize how distant right. 39 Amendment. effect, difficult regarding grounds" wishes base rights difficult. For subject taxation regulation, though deprive revenue needs bid professors contemplating working industry. doubt effectuating "who availability money. Buckley Valeo, 424 19, 612, 634, 46 659 (1976) money effectuate rights). 40 addition remote attenuated, speculative. out, systems. See, G. Bednash, Relationship Between Access Selectivity Tenure Review Outcomes (unpublished Ph.D. dissertation, Maryland). Thus, fears incrementally worsened absence so ready worst community. increases, others examples illustrations deflect bias unfairness. Not academics hesitate up counted evaluate peers. Branzburg, notion appear reporter's necessary. Petitioners there, collected inhibit contravention principles. argument, civil statutes general applicability." 2657. "unclear informers actually deterred furnishing newsmen forced jury." 2662. Herbert Lando, 153, 174, 1635, 1647, 115 (1979). unwilling then, today, embark judiciary journey destination." 2668.8 conclude enjoyed sustain constitutionality case. alternative permissible relation overriding eradicating discrimination.9 43 judgment ordered. Three days 20-day period expired, brought suit Columbia seeking declaratory injunctive relief quashing 4. declined follow controlling court's announced "first-filed" rule, counsels stay dismissal duplicative another court. Crosley Corp. Hazeltine Corp., 122 925, 929 1941), 315 813, 62 798, (1942); Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinea Insurance North America, 651 877, 887, 1981), sub nom. Guinee Ireland, Ltd., 457 1105, 2902, 73 1312 (1982). declination, upheld Circuit. 969, 972 (1988). Since applicability facts question certiorari, permits engage redaction disputed producing them, issue. ordered remanded consideration redaction. 982. 118 Cong.Rec. 311 (1972) (remarks Sen. Ervin); 946 Allen); 4919 Ervin). charging party obtains "right-to-sue" 2000e-5(f)(1). prohibition apply, party. Associated Dry Goods 449 590, 598-604, 817, 822-825, 66 762 (1981). Obvious arise Such carried heavy justification. Police Dept. Chicago Mosley, 92, 95, 98-99, 2286, 2290, 2291-2292, 212 Where, situation complicated issues presented simultaneously speaker regulator. Meese Keene, 481 484, 18, 1862, 1873, 415 (1987) (citing Block Meese, 253 U.S.App.D.C. 317, 327-328, 793 1303, 1313-1314 (1986)). generally, M. Yudof, Government Speaks (1983). argue California Bakke, 438 265, 312-313, 98 2733, 2759-2760, 57 750 (1978) (opinion Powell, J.). bad-faith raise concerns. 707, 2669. powers. (1984). allegation indication abuse consider passed allow redact disclosing 2, supra.

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