Document: 526 U.S. 629119 S.Ct. 1661143 L.Ed.2d 839 SyllabusNOTE: Where it is feasible, a syllabus (headnote) will be released, as being done in connection with this case, at the time opinion issued. The constitutes no part of Court but has been prepared by Reporter Decisions for convenience reader. See United States v. Detroit Timber & Lumber Co., 200 321, 337. SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES DAVIS, next friend LaSHONDA D.v.MONROE COUNTY BOARD EDUCATION et al. CERTIORARI TO APPEALS FOR ELEVENTH CIRCUIT No. 97 843. Argued January 12, 1999Decided May 24, 1999 Petitioner filed suit against respondents, county school board (Board) and officials, seeking damages sexual harassment her daughter LaShonda G. F., fifth-grade classmate public elementary school. Among other things, petitioner alleged that respondents' deliberate indifference to F.'s persistent advances toward created an intimidating, hostile, offensive, abusive environment violated Title IX Education Amendments 1972, which, relevant part, prohibits student from "excluded participation in, be[ing] denied benefits of, or subjected discrimination under any education program activity receiving Federal financial assistance," 20 U.S.C. § 1681(a). In granting motion dismiss, District found "student-on-student," peer, provides ground private cause action damages. en banc Eleventh Circuit affirmed. Held: 1. A may lie cases student-on-student harassment, only where funding recipient deliberately indifferent which actual knowledge, so severe, pervasive, objectively offensive can said deprive victims access educational opportunities provided Pp. 7 22. (a) An implied right money exists IX, Franklin Gwinnett County Public Schools, 503 60, recipients had adequate notice they could liable conduct issue, Pennhurst State School Hospital Halderman, 451 1, 17, its own misconduct. Here, attempts hold Board decision remain idle face known schools. standard set out Gebser Lago Vista Independent Dist., 524 274 district acts teacher-student also applies harassment. Initially, Gebser, expressly rejected use agency principles impute liability teachers. Id., 283. Additionally, IX's regulatory scheme long their failure respond non-agents' discriminatory acts. common law put schools on held responsible state failing protect students third parties' tortious Of course, harasser's identity not irrelevant. Deliberate makes sense direct theory authority take remedial action, language itself narrowly circumscribes circumstances giving rise statute. If does engage directly, unless "subject[s]" i.e., minimum, causes undergo them vulnerable it. Moreover, because must occur "under" "the operations of" recipient, §§1681(a), 1687, place context subject district's control. These factors combine limit recipient's wherein exercises substantial control over both harasser occurs. Where, here, misconduct occurs during hours grounds, taking "operation" recipient. these circumstances, retains More importantly, setting, significant harasser, disciplinary students. At events publication attorneys administrators indicated trigger liability, subsequent Department policy guidelines provide such falls within scope. Contrary contentions respondents dissent, continue enjoy flexibility require making decisions are deemed "deliberately indifferent" response lack thereof clearly unreasonable light circumstances. 8 18. (b) requirement receive proscriptions bears proper definition "discrimination" action. proscribes sufficient clarity satisfy Pennhurst's serve basis supra, 281. Having previously constrained conclude if sufficiently likewise level actionable statute's prohibitions help give content context. statute protects shields in" "denied "education activity" gender. It necessary show overt, physical deprivation resources make claim plaintiff undermines detracts victims' experience, effectively equal institution's opportunities. Cf. Meritor Savings Bank, FSB Vinson, 477 57, 67. Whether gender-oriented depends constellation surrounding expectations, relationships, Oncale Sundowner Offshore Services, Inc., 523 75, 82, including, limited to, victim's ages number persons involved. Courts bear mind schoolchildren regularly interact ways would unacceptable among adults. "under suggests behavior serious enough have systemic effect denying victim activity. single instance severe one-on-one peer could, theory, effect, unlikely Congress thought so. fact was teacher who engaged relevant. Peer less likely requirements breach guarantee 19 2. Applying facts erred dismissing petitioner's complaint. This cannot say beyond doubt she prove entitle relief. She alleges repeated F. 5-month period, allegations support conclusion his offensive. complaint multiple sought audience principal concrete, negative LaShonda's ability education. able knowledge Board, made effort either investigate end 22 23. 120 F.3d 1390, reversed remanded. O'Connor, J., delivered Court, Stevens, Souter, Ginsburg, Breyer, JJ., joined. Kennedy, dissenting opinion, Rehnquist, C. Scalia Thomas, Opinion 1 NOTICE: formal revision before preliminary print Reports. Readers requested notify Decisions, Supreme States, Washington, D. 20543, typographical errors, order corrections goes press. 843 2 AURELIA D., PETITIONERv.MONROE 3 ON WRIT 4 [May 1999] 5 Justice O'Connor Court. 6 brought Monroe defendants, alleging another class. claims monetary injunctive relief 1972 (Title IX), 86 Stat. 373, amended, 1681 seq. dismissed Appeals Circuit, sitting banc, We consider here whether may, programs activities. we bars opportunity benefit. * Petitioner's Rule Civil Procedure 12(b)(6) upon granted. Accordingly, reviewing legal sufficiency "we assume truth material complaint." Summit Health, Ltd. Pinhas, 500 322, 325 (1991). minor daughter, LaShonda, allegedly prolonged pattern one classmates Hubbard Elementary School, County, Georgia. According complaint, began December 1992, when classmate, attempted touch breasts genital area vulgar statements " 'I want get bed you' feel your boobs.' Complaint ¶7. Similar occurred about 20, 1993. Ibid. reported each incidents mother classroom teacher, Diane Fort. Petitioner, turn, contacted Fort, assured principal, Bill Querry, informed incidents. contends that, notwithstanding reports, taken ¶16. 9 continued many months. early February, purportedly placed door stop pants proceeded act sexually suggestive manner ¶8. Whit Maples. Approximately week later, again harassing behavior, while supervision Joyce Pippin. ¶9. Again, incident follow up. 10 once more directed class March, Maples Pippen. ¶10. mid-April 1993, rubbed body hallway what considered manner, matter ¶11. 11 string finally ended mid-May, charged with, pleaded guilty battery ¶14. suffered months however; specifically, high grades dropped became unable concentrate studies, id., ¶15, and, April father discovered written suicide note, ibid. further point, told 'didn't know how much longer keep [G. F.] off her.' ¶12. 12 Nor victim; girls fell prey conduct. fact, group composed female tried speak Principal Querry behavior. however, students' request statement, 'If [Querry] wants you, he'll call you.' 13 LaShonda. addition conversations Fort Pippen, spoke mid-May When inquired intended simply stated, guess I'll threaten him little bit harder.' Yet, alleges, point disciplined Indeed, asked why 'was complaining.' 14 Nor, according separate On contrary, frequent complaints, after than three even permitted change seat seated ¶13. question, instructed personnel established issue. ¶17. B 15 4, 1994, Middle Georgia Charles Dumas, superintendent, Querry. federal purposes "[t]he [LaShonda] interfered attend perform studies activities," Defendants unwelcome abus[ive] violation IX." ¶¶27, 28. compensatory punitive damages, attorney's fees, ¶32. 16 defendants (all here) moved dismiss granted, granted motion. 862 Supp. 363, 368 (MD Ga. 1994). With regard court individual federally funded institutions IX. 367. As concluded absent allegation "that employee role harassment." 17 appealed Court's panel reversed. 74 1186, 1195 (1996). Borrowing VII law, majority determined stated IX: "[W]e encompasses due hostile working co-workers tolerated employer, fellow supervising authorities knowingly fail eliminate 1193. recognized based "officials' those whom officials exercised control," ibid., 1195. 18 Board's rehearing 91 1418 (1996), affirmed 1390 (1998). relied, primarily, passed pursuant Congress' legislative Constitution's Spending Clause, Const., Art I, §8, cl. therefore potential "unambiguous conditions assuming accept" F.3d, 1399. reasoned, employees engaging conduct, fails duty prevent 1401. Writing four judges urged statute, declining identify perpetrator discrimination, parties: "The irrelevant language" 1412 (Barkett, dissenting). plain language, dissenters district. 1414. certiorari, ____ (1998), resolve conflict Circuits whether, funds arising compare (CA11 1998) (case below), Rowinsky Bryan 80 1006, 1008 (CA5) (holding available responds differently gender victim), cert. denied, 519 861 Doe University Illinois, 138 653, 668 (CA7 (upholding inadequate harassment), pending, 98 126, Brzonkala Virginia Polytechnic Institute University, 132 949, 960 961 (CA4 1997) (same), vacated 169 820 1999) (not addressing merits directing abeyance pending instant case), Oona, R. S. McCaffrey, 143 473, 478 (CA9 (rejecting qualified immunity concluding 1992 1993), 101. now reverse. II 21 provides, certain exceptions issue "[n]o person shall, sex, excluded assistance." 23 authorized administrative enforcement departments agencies assistance entrusted promulgate rules, regulations, orders enforce objectives §1681, see §1682, rely "any . means law," including termination funding, restrictions. 24 There dispute purposes. 1189. do argument Rather, question form 25 urges compels bar permitting emphasizes "subjected (emphasis supplied). "unmistakable focus benefited class," Cannon Chicago, 441 677, 691 (1979), rather perpetrator, view, works peers. 26 define scope proscribes. determine 274, 283 (1998) ("In petitioners seek just establish recover ."). indeed suits, 60 (1992). Because repeatedly treated legislation enacted see, e.g., 287 IX); n. Guardians Assn. Serv. Comm'n New York City, 463 582, 598 599 (1983) (opinion White, J.) VI), actions spending power, generates "much nature contract: return funds, agree comply imposed conditions." (1981). interpreting legislation, thus "insis[t] clear voice," recognizing "[t]here can, knowing acceptance [of terms putative contract] unaware [imposed legislation] ascertain expected it." Ibid.; 25. 27 Invoking Pennhurst, urge harm Respondents contend, grant recipients, parties. argue, moreover, contrary very purpose Clause impose parties, exercise 1013. 28 "exclud[e] [persons] den[y] subjec[t] under" "program[s] activit[ies]" Government's power extended parties outside power. National Collegiate Athletic Smith, 525 ___, (1999) (slip op., 7, 5) suggestion §1681(a) potentially broader authority"); cf. 289 ("It unsound, think, express system come into voluntary compliance judicially permits without corrective notice"). 29 disagree assertion, seeks instead own. teacher. entered relationship eighth grade student, teacher's circumscribed liability. U.S., 288. Assn., Franklin, required 'the entity [have] award' subjecting (quoting 74). recognized, limitation intentionally violates 75; 597 (same respect VI). particular, engages intentional 30 Likewise, declined invitation amounted negligence holding react knew should known. acted remaining knowledge. 290. dissent's suggestion, "treated actions." Post, 8. Liability arose, rather, "an official remedy violation." By employing "deliberate indifference" already used municipal Rev. §1979, 42 1983 290 291 (citing Comm'rs Cty. Brown, 520 397 (1997), Canton Harris, 489 378 (1989)), "cause[d]" 291; 385 (recognizing municipality §1983 constitutional issue" original)). "risk employees' independent 291. 31 discrimination. viewed "subject[ing]" "[u]nquestionably [the Board] not" permit schools, violate 32 identified amounts capable supporting does. initial matter, context, noting textual differences between VII. 283; Faragher Boca Raton, 775, 791 792 (invoking "employer" includes agents employer); 72 (1986) (same). non-agents. requires monitor specified refrain particular forms interaction entities discriminate. See, 34 CFR §§106.31(b)(6), 106.31(d), 106.37(a)(2), 106.38(a), 106.51(a)(3) 33 too, Restatement (Second) Torts §320, Comment (1965). courts routinely uphold negligent torts Rupp Bryant, 417 So. 2d 658, 666 667 (Fla. 1982); Brahatcek Millard 202 Neb. 86, 99 100, 273 N. W. 680, 688 (1979); McLeod Grant Dist. 128, Wash. 316, 320, 255 P.2d 360, 362 363 (1953). circumscribe whose some recipients. directly lacks 35 particularly conjunction cabins range confines prohibited degree That is, must, "cause [students] undergo" "make vulnerable" Random House Dictionary English Language 1415 (1966) (defining "subject" "to something specified; expose" vulnerable; lay open; expose"); Webster's Third International 2275 (1961) submit to: effect: EXPOSE"). 1681(a); §1687 "program activity"), control, Language, 2487 "in condition subjection, regulation, subordination"; "subject guidance instruction of"); 1543 authority, direction, of"). 36 Only then "expose" "cause" programs. dissent satisfied most easily obviously offender agent analysis term somehow imports noted above, 11. case did arise "teacher's [were] treated" post, 8; act. "subjec[t]" limits, nothing principles. 37 grounds bulk misconduct, took 661 (finding properly "student-on-student takes involved activities otherwise employees"). setting harasser. observed, example, State's] [over schoolchildren] custodial tutelary, free adults." Vernonia 47J Acton, 515 646, 655 (1995). occasion, importance officials' "comprehensive , consistent fundamental safeguards, prescribe schools." Tinker Des Moines Community 393 503, 507 (1969); Jersey T. L. O., 469 325, 342, (1985) ("The maintenance discipline restrained assaulting another, abusing drugs alcohol, committing crimes, conform themselves standards prescribed authorities"); 1193 influence greater extent workplace recognizes school's authority. §152 38 were March unfolding, Boards Association issued publication, "school understanding regarding students," observed districts Council Attorneys, Sexual Harassment Schools: Preventing Defending Against Claims v, 45 (rev. ed.). Drawing Equal Employment Opportunity Commission VII, "if [a] constructive students, [T]itle claim." 45. correctly anticipated Gebser's requirement: "It absence employees." Although "indicium congressional notice," 19, find our reading rendered analogous interpretation. 39 although promulgated too late contribute proscribed Education's Office Rights (OCR) recently adopted providing proscriptions. Education, Rights, Guidance: Students Employees, Other Students, Parties, 62 Fed. Reg. 12034, 12039 12040 (1997) (OCR Guidelines); Racial Incidents Educational Institutions, 59 11448, 11449 (1994). 40 stress mean avoid purging contention "nothing short expulsion every accused involving overtones systems damages." Brief 16; 1402 (Tjoflat, ("[A] immediately suspend expel harassment"). erroneously imagines demands. (contemplating demand new desk assignment). noted, second guessing administrators. 342 343, 9. 41 consistently mischaracterizes "remedy" post 5, 10, 16, 30, "ensur[e] to" 13. imposes requirements. merely unreasonable. mere "reasonableness" standard, assumes. 26. appropriate there reason courts, summary judgment, verdict, "clearly unreasonable" law. Like 15, acknowledge shoulder burdens result constraints To restrictions statutes, review attention difficult position Nation's believe, flexible account university might not, same enjoy, 14, entirely reasonable expose statutory claims. 43 While remains seen reports "subject[ed]" way period five complaints in-school 44 elsewhere 281; 75. "sexual harassment" Bennett Kentucky Dept. Ed., 470 656, 665 insufficient receipt need "specifically identif[y] proscrib[e]" legislation). prohibitions, protected specifically shielded §1681(a). whatever else prohibits, obvious example triggering involve resources. Consider, male physically peers day, successfully preventing using resource athletic field computer lab, instance. well aware daily ritual, yet ignore requests aid wishing resource. refusal fly core principles, appropriately necessary, exclusion demonstrate deprived sex. victim-students 46 rises "harassment" "depends relationships," 82 individuals involved, OCR Guidelines 12041 12042. Courts, unlike adult children Amici Curiae (describing "dizzying array immature behaviors students"). least on, still learning understandable often insults, banter, teasing, shoving, pushing, gender-specific upsetting Damages simple teasing name-calling children, comments target denies designed protect. 47 appreciate real limitations show, read provide, "teased," 25, "called names," Comparisons "overweight child skips gym tease size," "who refuses wear glasses taunts 'four-eyes,'" go bully calls 'scardy-cat' recess," inapposite misleading. contemplate, hold, "decline survive" dismiss. drop-off evidence link G.F.'s cognizable equally persistence severity actions, mention indifference. trust characterization mislead sweeping require. 48 provision Although, think inevitability amount litigation invited entertaining limiting having activities, reconcile general principle practical realities responding meant ignored. Even gender-based mistreatment played "widespread level" 31. 49 necessarily affects C 50 verbal; included numerous touching, indeed, ultimately criminal disturbed principal. Further, daughter's whatsoever 51 "beyond [petitioner] [her] relief." Conley Gibson, 355 41, (1957). Scheuer Rhodes, 416 232, 236 (1974) prevail claimant entitled offer claims"). judgment reversed, remanded proceedings opinion. 52 ordered. 53 54 55 56 Chief Justice, Scalia, thomas join, dissenting. 57 'to authorize expenditure moneys grants Constitution.' South Dakota Dole, 483 203, 207 (1987) Butler, 297 66 (1936)). consequence, pursue "Article I's 'enumerated fields' attaching funds. 207. So understood, wielded concern balance, obliterate distinctions national local spheres interest government sensitive areas traditional concern, reach. 58 vital safeguard balance States' "must unambiguously." acknowledges, "legislation contract," legitimacy "rests voluntarily accepts 'contract.' ante, 'There it.' Ibid., 17). Our insistence "Congress voice" "enable choice knowingly, cognizant consequences participation," abstract notion contractual fairness. concrete system. attached guard excessive intrusion affairs vigilant policing boundaries 217 (O'Connor, dissenting) ("If welfare, reality, given vast Government, gives 'power tear down barriers, invade states' jurisdiction, become parliament whole people, save self-imposed' 78)). purports eviscerates clear-notice jurisprudence. provides: "No sex [1] [2] [3] 61 full understand striking application case: create whatsoever, available. implied. 677 (1979). encountered great difficulty establishing deciding imply silent subject. try judicial bounds but, District, defining general, "inherently entails speculation, since addresses spoken." 284. 63 element speculation troubling tension Without doubt, manifest State, accepting 64 Today heed, acknowledge, creates today neither sensible nor faithful gave unambiguous child's meaning applied enable distinguish inappropriate childish carry burdens. 65 Instead, finds none discovers indicia unusual places. treats routine construction alone, errs regard. end, unexpected unknown, contours are, yet, unknowable. majority's narrow, proposes illusory. fence built sticks, contain avalanche costs today's estimate, inflict them. certainty flowing scarce diverted educating districts, desperate adopt code sees fit learn first lessons federalism classrooms ever-present regulator. insinuated human affairs. traditions inconsistent administration ceding day-to-day I dissent. 67 turn decision. Schools Ante, 'exclud[e] under' 'program[s] activit[ies]' IX"). argues, nevertheless, "subjects" knows appropriately. 68 word "subjected" weight argument. primary manner." U. S, 292. stressed prevents through principals agents. 286 (explaining VI "operate conditioning promise discriminate, essentially contract Government funds"). "[W]hereas aims centrally compensate focuses 'protecting' practices carried funds." 287. attempt argue itself. 69 event, showing discrimination." activity," 1681(a), defined "all §1687. 70 Under natural provision, by, accordance policies (1981) "required by: with: bound by"); American Heritage 1395 "[w]ith authorization of; attested by; virtue 2059 (2d ed. 1987) "authorized, warranted, by" with"); Words Phrases 149 152 (1969) as, inter alia, 'in with' conformity "; "indicating 'by ' 'by,' of,' "). reflects usage by. Gregory Ashcroft, 501 452, (1991) ("Because nowhere intent mandatory obligations §5 powers, so."); ("Among 71 enough, then, "context control." 14. actually "controlled actions. Compare subordination") added) ") added). "operations" connotes active affirmative inaction respond. Black's Law 1092 (6th 1990) "operation," "[e]xertion power; process operating mode action; definite plan; activity"). 73 Teacher not. thus, teachers attributable contrast defines include agent" "contains comparable reference 'agents,' principles." result, incorporate strict vicarious Clause's scheme. abandon altogether. fairly attributed superimposing additional 288 ("Title contains important clues intend allow recovery rests solely overlay, indifferent." relation sufficient, heightened attribution met, 75 am attributing ("We assertion schools"). Discrimination imposition conflicts interpretation least, my implicit 76 Quite aside disregard program" flawed respects. "cause[s] recognizes, third-party cause. search principle, asserts, elaboration, "degree control" 77 test arbitrary line-drawing. explain or, draw line encompass 78 Agency usually mark outer limits entity's 775 (applying delimit employer liability); Burlington Industries, Inc. Ellerth, nonagents legislation. nonetheless rejects out-of-hand cramped Gebser. wholesale importation common-law expand prohibited; it, reject proposition suppose well-established favor vague turns head. contemplated expansive 79 One long-established practice (DOE). For years passage until 1997 DOE's regulations drew line, expansive, delegated functions. ("A [grant] shall enter indirectly subpart, relationships employment referral agencies, labor unions, organizations administering fringe recipient"). perhaps hire themselves. circumvent delegating admissions screening committee discriminate Given passed, believe obligation concept courts. generally MacKinnon, Working Women: Case Sex types standards, denial resources, hiring, etc. 1681(a)(2) (referencing admissions). 81 appears justify drawing "enough truth, complicated acknowledges. controls contracts. Most screen select far unfettered. obligated educate all live geographic boundaries. Constitution almost country guarantees State's secondary Cal. Art. §5; Colo. §2; VIII, §1, ¶1; Ind. §1; Md. Mo. §1(a); J. §4 M. XII, Y. XI, Const,. §§1 2; Okla. XIII, §3; Tex. Va. Wyo. continuing suspended expelled. Phillip Leon 199 400, 484 E. 909 (1996) clause West confers alternative programs, school, expelled bringing guns school). remove fulfill continuing-education placing kind hiring expensive tutors risk suits program. 83 addition, held, "[a]t minimum," facing suspension "be afforded hearing." Goss Lopez, 419 565, 579 (1975) 84 Individuals Disabilities Act (IDEA), 1400 seq., (1994 ed., III), places disorder disabilities, disability diagnosed prior discipline. §1415(f)(1) (parents hearing disabled student's placement); §1415(k)(1)(A) (school "order placement interim suspension" up "10 days" offense weapon illegal drugs); §1415(k)(8) eligible special [school rule], assert protections" subchapter "had precipitated occurred"); §1415(k)(8)(B)(ii) "deemed performance demonstrates [special related] services"). "Disability," Act, "serious emotional disturbance," §1401(3)(A)(i), DOE, "condition exhibiting marked adversely performance" "inability build maintain satisfactory interpersonal teachers" "[i]nappropriate feelings normal circumstances." 300.7(b)(9) If, us deviates jostling adolescence puts colorable disturbance IDEA. imposing sanction IDEA claim, navigate complex web provisions DOE significantly discretion. 85 obstacles encounter ensuring thousands acceptable norms obstacles. measure few hundred employees. conserved basic services. Some deal problems violence overwhelmed kinds. Perhaps startling broad assumptions grapple meaningful distinction hand, universities other. bolsters quoting (1995), children] adults.' 15. Yet appear apply force universities, tutelary 87 university's speech constitute First Amendment. confronted raised codes racial Dambrot Central Michigan 1177 (CA6 1995) (striking overbroad, vague, valid prohibition fighting words); UWM Regents Wisconsin System, 774 1163 (ED Wis. 1991) prohibited, 'discriminatory comments' 'intentionally demean' 'sex individual' '[c]reate demeaning education, related work, university-authorized activity' "); Michigan, 721 852 Mich. 1989) (similar); Iota XI Chapter Sigma Chi Fraternity George Mason 993 F.2d 386 1993) (overturning Amendment sanctions fraternity conducting "ugly woman contest" "racist sexist" overtones). 88 difficulties associated underscore Despite relies assumption creating instance, recognize propriety uses factor determining reasonable. 89 presentation illustrates discomfort rule devised. Rather beginning itself, begins discover divorced requisite duty. appears, assumes established, suggest breathtaking thinks ("These [("subjects" "under")] occurs"). 90 ill-defined, free-standing novel party. quoted discrimination" text full, "control." 286; 292; 5. Neither tort "long non-agents." 12. notice, Not cites 92 discussed "non-agents" remedy. cited forbid 106.31(b)(6) (A "recipient sex," "[a]id perpetuate agency, organization, discriminates aid, benefit service employees"); §106.37(a)(2) "[t]hrough solicitation, listing, approval, facilities services, assist foundation, trust, sex"); §106.38(a) "which assists organization [s]hall assure [and] render services practices"). others delegate (or employee) §106.51(a)(3) recipient"); §106.31(d) applicant, operated wholly facilitates, permits, considers equivalent consortia cooperative student-teaching assignments" steps discriminating "shall facilitate, require, permit, participation" discriminating). None generalized arguably 93 Requiring heavier burden prohibiting effective delegation functions discriminates. Notice latter responsibilities, hardly former. predicated association entity. envision, terminate contract). regulated quite different school-student relationships. confirm 94 concludes notice. non sequitur suppose, underlying reasonably Holbrook Executive Conference Center, 219 App. 104, 106, 464 398, 401 1996) sovereign displayed "wilfulness, malice, corruption"). 95 final observation confirms strayed requires. "were told" 1993 16. treating lawyers reliable indicium transformed manual like manuals, side caution describing self-fulfilling prophecy. seems discuss liabilities amongst stipulating intent. 96 occurring situation. occurring). labels distinguishing adolescents. crushing cannot, precision. young fully accountable capacity mature judgment. Farnsworth, Farnsworth Contracts §4.4 (discussing minor's disaffirm he entered). surprise one, locus children's social development rife amici front lines describe situation best: "Unlike adults workplace, juveniles life experiences familial influences world rough-and-tumble newly learned vulgarities, erupt anger, embarrass other, share notes, flirt, push shove halls, grab offend." (hereinafter amici). 100 No contests uncontrollable inappropriate, "objectively offensive" times, ante parents moral ethical responsibility manner. doubtless members opposite throes struggle emerging identities. 101 useful label immature, Nothing answered terms. 102 majority, problem labeling fifth graders "gender sidesteps entirely, asserting "support discrimination' IX," citing (1992), "[w]e action," 19. 103 cogent persuasive type harassment," 104 "[A]t court, emotionally socially children. new. However, past addressed asks cloth 'sexual harassment,' stigmatize harassers, refused do." (citation omitted). 105 Women's Forum Amicus (questioning "at students" victim). 106 settled ipse dixit. cite (1986), "when supervisor harasses subordinate subordinate's 'discriminate[s]' sex." 74; 282 treat erase, stroke, adults, teachers, workplaces. 107 qualifies Analogies inapposite, workplaces translated teenage romantic dating everyday life. similarly flawed. overtures always inappropriate; teenager's (even unwelcome) inescapable adolescence. 108 admits approach, "[w]hether 'harassment' 'depends involved." (citations supposed discern mishmash Its multifactored balancing cry 109 identifying evident teachers' manuals kindergarten boy "put down" playground "because play house girls" girl shoots baskets better boys." Minnesota Girls Boys Getting Along: Teaching Prevention Classroom (1993). saying "You look nice" depending "tone looks around." Stein Sjostrom, Flirting Hurting? Teacher's Guide Student-to-Student (Grades 12) Blowing kiss suspect. confusion compounded sexual-harassment invested backed suits. 110 "simple children," "target gender," 21, all. proclaims serious, protect." 21. purport explain, "equal education." Is tires chased boys recess outside? worried activities? pretends sick day stay home school? let juries decide. 111 "systemic effect," 22, clarify standard. exclude possibility perpetrated claim. small concession indeed. 112 clue dividing profoundly unsettling one: alleged, words, effects visible "dropped" "ability work [was] affected." Pet. Cert. 97a. Almost adolescents experience mature. III 113 inability workable underscores myriad narrow untold numbers adept presenting withstand defendant districts' pretrial motions. Each barriers run-away offers crumbles casual scrutiny. 114 establishes sounds relatively threshold "denial access" breath, decline survive follows, winning oblivious child, trouble teased skip overweight size locker room; risks flunking "four-eyes"; "scaredy-cat" recess. detract learn. will, sweep innocuous acknowledges ubiquitous 115 adjectives attaches "severe, touchstone Ante 20. reliance impact "objective offensiveness" comment judged aimed. guidance, requiring gauge sensitivities average seven year old. 116 assures interfere instructs "as administrators." 17. expressed reluctance litigants second-guess best judge seriousness devise response. test, invites unreasonable." reasonableness regardless modifier, transforms jury question. college though two days transferred biology class). 117 Another professed "known." 13; id. enunciation begs question: whom? says actionable. 118 silence telling. indication believes extensive throughout implication. adjudicating conclude. 119 choosing explicit terms, avoids confront bizarre implications misbehavior, punish measures anomalous principal), lower absurdity States. hope flood begins. elements easy allege prove. pleads called names, unreasonable, successful 121 shortage plaintiffs bring complaints. millions large percentage careers, Study Women Foundation, "fully (81%) report lives." Hostile Hallways: AAUW Survey America's lawsuits staggering. 122 cost defending alone overwhelm jury. caps exceed, total districts. $500,000 case. 101a. Respondent received approximately $679,000 sued $120,000 year. entire budget $1.6 million. Tr. Oral Arg. 1866, p. 34. 123 limitless confronting worse businesses; damage caps. 1991 carefully recoverable calibrating maximum employer. 1981a(b)(3). Adopting petitioners' amount, allowing unlimited spoken remedy, restricted available"). investigation conciliation (prior filing court) weed frivolous settle meritorious ones minimal cost. 124 prospect likelihood, breed climate fear encourages coincidence proposed warning fall 1996, 42728, North Carolina 6-year-old kissed cheek "[u]nwelcome age." Los Angeles Times, Sept. A11. second-grader ripped button skirt. Buffalo News, Oct. 2, A16. grader got idea favorite book "Corduroy," missing button. only, "We guidelines." 125 level, sure add fuel debate campus name environment, infringe rights. presumably remedying dormitory rooms. forced domains. 126 resist overzealous careful reasoned provokes litigation. Speaking voice remind us, "[h]istory shows chooses do, someone unhappy. Student offenders view punishment strict, complainants offender's lax." 127 faced wake beset side. quick process. harassment-free mainstream continuing, campuses, speech, situations, faces suit, maybe 679 (Posner, banc) ("Liability rectify razor's edge, 128 driven image commandeer lab threats. situation, resort unprecedented disciplines threatening blocking others' facilities, rules widespread inference 129 (Contrary raise discriminating. Recognizing action.) 130 important, egregious state-law remedies her. recourse offending parents) cases, sanctions. And, 131 Disregarding misbehavior incentives possible seeks, transforming Civility Code. (urging result). administer task diminished diversion corps writing embroil endless analysis, federalism. balance. Preserving legitimate ends. ensures essential choices proximate people apparatus Defining teaching explore sexuality issues face. Such counsel delicacy immense significance restraint displaces governments. 133 Heedless considerations, rushes onward, finding design. reaches today, dictated Today's laid feet Congress; 134 care shapes Congress, never stake. inevitably implicates discretion shape ever embarked endeavor open What duty-bound unique disregards obligation. conceive interventions intrusive delicate relations citizens hand. Trusted superseded contemporary imperative. 135 grave, surely lasting, disservice soon imparted youngest citizens. clears center stage classrooms. mandates instructing dubious arbiters disagreement Enforcement permeate everything curriculum logistics interactions. After Johnny resolved invoking assignment rows away. 136 painfully clear, watered-down version clear-statement substitute protections autonomy futility hedge words future answer. survives compelled answer court. number, taxpayers them, serve. Federalism struggling deserve

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