Document: 540 U.S. 581 GENERAL DYNAMICS LAND SYSTEMS, INC.v.CLINE ET AL. No. 02-1080. Supreme Court of United States. Argued November 12, 2003. Decided February 24, 2004. A collective-bargaining agreement between petitioner company and a union eliminated the company's obligation to provide health benefits subsequently retired employees, except as then-current workers at least 50 years old. Respondent employees (collectively, Cline) — who were then 40 thus protected by Age Discrimination in Employment Act 1967 (ADEA), but under so without promise claimed before Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that violated ADEA because it "discriminate[d against them] . [their] age," 29 U. S. C. § 623(a)(1). The EEOC agreed, invited settle informally with Cline. When they failed, Cline brought this action state law. District dismissed, calling federal claim one "reverse age discrimination" upon which no court had ever granted relief ADEA, relying on Seventh Circuit decision holding does not protect younger older workers. Sixth reversed, reasoning 623(a)(1)'s prohibition discrimination is clear its face if Congress meant limit coverage only worker younger, would have said so. acknowledged ruling conflicted earlier cases, criticized those decisions for paying too much attention general language Congress's findings. also drew support from EEOC's position an interpretive regulation. Held: ADEA's text, structure, purpose, history, relationship other statutes show statute mean stop employer favoring employee over one. Pp. 586-600. 1. covers "discriminat[ion] [an] individual's age" helps hurting older. In abstract, phrase open broader construction prohibits favor old young, since reference "age" carries express modifier, word could be read look two ways. This more expansive possible understanding not, however, square natural reading whole provision prohibiting discrimination. fact clues speak almost unanimously directed are than ones getting treated better. prefatory finding purpose provisions their legislative history make case effect beyond reasonable doubt. Nor remarkable record devoid any evidence suffering elders' expense, let alone social problem required place parity restriction class above confirms interpretation. If been worrying about protecting older, likely ignored everyone 40. reports replete taking nearly like review. While none Court's cases directly addresses question presented here, all them consistent point remedy unfair preference based relative youth, leaving complaints relatively young outside statutory concern. See, e. g., Hazen Paper Co. v. Biggins, 507 604, 610. very strength consensus enough rule out serious ambiguity, congressional silence after judicial interpretation supports adherence view. 586-594. 2. rejects three rejoinders proffered amicus view works both 594-600. (a) argument that, instances limited age, means treatment occurred span either longer or shorter, rests mistakes. First, erroneously assumes has same meaning wherever uses it. presumption identical words different parts intended meaning, see, Atlantic Cleaners & Dyers, Inc. States, 286 427, 433, rigid readily yields where, there such variation connection used reasonably warrant conclusion employed intent, ibid. Second, uniform usage ignores cardinal must context gathers around E. Jones 527 373, 389. Social emphatically reveals aimed old, idiomatic sense confirmed history. For reason shows "old when teamed "discrimination," 623(f)'s affirmative defense bona fide occupational qualification comparative youth. As thing 623(a)(1) another 623(f), demonstrates uniformity cannot sensibly operate here. 594-598. (b) Cline's second supported colloquy Senate floor involving sponsor substance first, still unsettle holding. Senator Yarborough's item hearings, reports, debates goes grain common Even sponsor, single outlying statement stand tide mention 30 producing apparent qualms. 598-599. (c) Finally, owes deference contrary falls short clearly wrong. agency able authority Chevron A. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 467 837, called devices tried found yield INS Cardoza-Fonseca, 480 421, 446. Here, regular method leaves question. takes definite being occurring structured manifestly arbitrary younger. 599-600. 296 F. 3d 466, reversed. SOUTER, J., delivered opinion Court, REHNQUIST, STEVENS, O'CONNOR, GINSBURG, BREYER, JJ., joined. SCALIA, filed dissenting opinion, post, p. 601. THOMAS, KENNEDY, joined, 602. CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR SIXTH CIRCUIT. Donald B. Verrilli, Jr., argued cause petitioner. With him briefs Deanne Maynard, William J. Kilberg, Craig Martin. Mark W. Biggerman respondents. brief Erin Stottlemyer Gold, Bruce Hadden, Joanne Brant. Acting Solicitor General Clement States et al. amici curiae urging affirmance. Irving L. Gornstein, Carolyn Wheeler, Lorraine Davis, Robert Gregory, Susan R. Oxford.* JUSTICE SOUTER Court. 1 (ADEA Act), 81 Stat. 602, 621 seq., forbids discriminatory whether young. We hold not. 2 * 1997, Dynamics Auto Workers Respondents Act, see 631(a), benefits. All objected new terms, although some change order get prior advantage, afterwards benefit, worked on, knowing contract give through. 3 Before (EEOC Commission) respect compensation, conditions, privileges employment, 4 Dynamics, combining claims discrimination," which, observed, ADEA. 98 Supp. 2d 846, 848 (ND Ohio 2000). It dismissed reliance Circuit's Hamilton Caterpillar 966 1226 (1992), "the `does older,'" id., 1227 (quoting Karlen City Colleges Chicago, 837 314, 318 (CA7), cert. denied sub nom. Teachers 486 1044 (1988)). 5 divided panel 466 (2002), majority 623(a)(1), covering "any individual. Id., 472. conflict including Schuler Polaroid Corp., 276 (1988) (opinion Breyer, J.), First Circuit, going way "hortatory, generalized language" findings incorporated 3d, 470. taken regulation.1 471. 6 Judge Cole, concurring, saw issue plain produced absurd result, he degree tension O'Connor Consolidated Coin Caterers 517 308 (1996), spoke giving better "`substantially younger'" worker. Williams dissented courts, thinking "obvious person is, greater his her needs become." 476. 7 certiorari resolve among Circuits, 538 976 (2003), now reverse. II 8 ground generalization construction, modifier discrimination, 9 chose include within forbidden Title VII Civil Rights 1964, 715, 78 265, aware legitimate reasons well invidious making employment age. Instead study Secretary Labor, ibid., concluded was problem, kind account race.2 disadvantage individuals stereotypical distinctions (including then-common policies ceilings hiring), examined light rational considerations increased pension cost and, concerns person's ability do job. Wirtz Report ultimately took widespread persistent call remedy, 21-22, placed recommendation background experience potential employing someone rises inducement prefer substitute. report contains suggestion reactions level off point, indication noticed advantages accruing expense juniors. 10 asked specific proposal, Fair Labor Standards Amendments 1966, 606, 80 845, provided January 1967. 113 Cong. Rec. 1377 (1967); Public Papers Presidents, Lyndon Johnson, Vol. 1, Jan. 23, 1967, 37 (1968) (message "[o]pportunity opened many Americans 45 qualified willing work"). Extensive House hearings ensued. See Employment: Hearings H. 3651 Subcommittee Committee Education 90th Cong., 1st Sess. (1967) (hereinafter Hearings); 830 788 Welfare, Hearings). generally Wyoming, 460 226, 229-233 (1983). 11 testimony dwelled unjustified assumptions work. 151 (statement Rep. Joshua Eilberg) ("At 40, may find restrictions become By 45, opportunities sharply; shrink severely 55 virtually vanish 65"); 422 Claude Pepper) ("We meaningful thousands nevertheless jobs desperately need arbitrarily decided old"); 34 Sen. George Murphy) ("[A]n often faces attitude part employers prevents receiving consideration even interview search employment").3 specifically addressed higher benefit costs heavier drags hiring got. Norman Sprague) (Apart stereotypes, "labor market seniority promotion-from-within policies, job training costs, insurance mandatory retirement reluctant hire workers"). reflects facts chances keep worse time; people, stronger position, apt tagged demeaning stereotype. Not surprisingly, voluminous records we (and cited) nothing suggesting registering seniors. 12 introductory begins statements mirror committee transcripts. stress impediments suffered "older efforts retain especially regain employment," 2(a)(1); [burdens] limits regardless performance," 2(a)(2); "otherwise desirable practices [that] work persons," ibid.; incidence unemployment, long-term unemployment[, which] ages, high workers," 2(a)(3). objects "to promote persons rather age; prohibit employment; [and] help ways meeting problems arising impact employment." 2(b). 13 sum, objectives cast terms effects intensifying time, couched refer "older" workers, explicitly implicitly "younger" ones. subject speaks less "arbitrary limits" discrimination." But these unmistakable references Report's "[a]lmost every five covered [a] 1965 survey limitations (most frequently 55) hires apply applicant's qualifications." 6. ban applies caps exclude applicants, necessarily advantage 14 Such setting core substantive provision, (as amended, 623), certain others whenever originally enacted) individual "at forty sixty-five 607.4 think doubt, concerned 15 elders, Common contrary, testimony, simply confirm ordinary people might day week. One commonplace conception American society recent decades character "youth culture," world where better, talk naturally understood 16 same, statute's above. youthful deficiencies inexperience unsteadiness invite lot prejudice 40-year-old typically owing 40-year-olds sadly tend out. enemy 30, 50. 805, Sess., ("[T]estimony indicated [40] becomes evident"). so, 40-year threshold adopted objection female flight attendants fired 32 47 Sec'y Wirtz) (lowering minimum "would nature proposal over-age measure"). Thus, makes identifying requiring protection juniors, defining threatened favoritism toward seniors.5 17 reviewed To start closest home, best example 604 (1993), held violation firing vest, basis analytically distinct though never occur advanced years. 611-612. essence [is] believes productivity competence decline 610, whereas status constitute [because t]he prohibited stereotype [of faltering worker] figured decision, attendant stigma ensue," 612. And relied cases. O'Connor, S., 313 ("Because replacement substantially plaintiff reliable indicator discrimination"); Western Air Lines, Criswell, 472 400, 409 (1985) ("[T]he repeatedly emphasize[s that] process psychological physiological degeneration caused aging varies each individual"). our 18 Courts Appeals law way, enjoyed unanimous accord forbid preferring So Hamilton, Schuler, ruled numerous citation here text.6 traditional view.7 III 19 proffer competing say 602-605) receives throughout. text plainly what means, argue soundness version shown Yarborough, bill became fall back (fortified SCALIA's dissent) should defer statute. On unsettling speaking manifest purpose. 20 first response dictionary length life, "because stating simple test causation: shorter. calls gives charges "age qualification." 623(f) (old qualification) employer's clash (because forbidden). 21 misemploys "presumption act meaning." 433 (1932). forgets intent." Ibid.; Cleveland Indians Baseball Co., 532 200, 213 (2001) (phrase "wages paid" meanings 26 C.); Robinson Shell Oil 519 337, 343-344 (1997) (term "employee" VII). relents8 several commonly speaker can alternate course conversation, confused confusing. 22 "Age" word. THOMAS (post, 603) agrees, standing pointing number lived, shorthand concurrent aches youth good. Which alternative probably matter context; understand choices lie behind sentence "Age driver's license," statement, left shut-in." easy places settings show. Hence flaw usage: "[s]tatutory [since] `gathers it.'" 389 (1999) Jarecki G. D. Searle 367 303, 307 (1961)). asking abstract "age"; seeking "discriminate occurs said, tells us 623(f),9 here.10 23 comparisons urges, 608-612, McDonald Santa Fe Trail Transp. 427 273 (1976), Oncale Sundowner Offshore Services, 523 75 (1998), serve clarify position. Both involved 42 2000e race [or] sex," 2000e-2(a)(1) (emphasis added). term comparable "race" "sex" VII. "Race" require modifiers indicate narrow application. black race, female. narrowly analogous dealing sex. That narrower textual setting, perfect demonstrated concern hurt people. B 24 enough. legislators most active pushing Senators Javits Yarborough. began exchange raising mentioned Dominick, whom ages 65." 31255 (1967). gave own "if 52 job, selected man aged solely. 52, will act," Yarborough opinion. Ibid. answered "[t]he factor hire, other, whichever [the] went." 25 Although past given weight views Employees Retirement System Betts, 492 158, 179 (1989), side merely discussion prompted possibility 52-year-old suing over-40 class. What matters Senator's remark, "whichever went," discrimination.11 Consumer Product Safety Comm'n GTE Sylvania, 447 102, 118 (1980) ("[O]rdinarily contemporaneous remarks legislator sponsors controlling analyzing history"). C third relies comment, charged enforcing statute, set CFR 1625.2(a) quoted full, n. supra. 1981, shortly assuming administrative responsibility expressed, noting carried forward Department regulation, 44 Fed. Reg. 68858 (1979); 46 47724 (1981); regulation itself reasons, 33 9172 (reprinting 860.91, rescinded (1981)). 27 parties contest owed reading, Skidmore Swift 323 134 (1944), sets limit, while deserves (1984). devoted fair amount lately varying degrees deserved pronouncements sorts, Mead 533 218 (2001); Christensen Harris County, 529 576 (2000), Edelman Lynchburg College, 535 106, 114 choose Chevron, defer, right; today, neither nor 28 intent. 446-448 (1987) (citing supra, 843, 9). question, purely ambiguity IV along statutes, showing judgment Reversed. Notes: Briefs ofamici reversal AARP Laurie McCann, Daniel Kohrman, Melvin Radowitz; Federation Industrial Organizations Jonathan P. Hiatt, James Coppess, Sherrick, Michael Saggau, Laurence Gold; Central Southeast Southwest Areas Health Welfare Fund Thomas Nyhan, Condon, John Franczyk, Jr.; Advisory Council Ann Elizabeth Reesman, V. Yager, Katherine Y. K. Cheung, Stephen Bokat, Robin Conrad, Ellen Dunham Bryant; ERISA Industry Caroline M. Brown Vine; National Association Chanin, West, Douglas Greenfield. (2003) ("[I]f lawfully turn down factor"). discuss length,infra, "[e]mployment identified feelings entirely unrelated There isno significant far concerned. closely related non-employment involves rejection assumptions." Older Worker: (June 1965) Report) original). 449 Burke) ("Discrimination arises [the seeker] made performance"); Dr. Harold Sheppard) ("[O]ne underlying conditions upward trend unemployment rates group so-called period time barrier discrimination");id., 215 Harrison Williams) ("`Unfavorable beliefs generalizations grown up translated into restrictive bar jobseekers principally age'" Special Aging)). 1978, changed upper 70 years, Pub. 95-256, 3(a), 92 189, struck 1986, 99-592, 2(c)(1), 100 3342. President transferred 1978. Reorg. Plan App. 2, 206. changes, extending government (state, local, federal), 93-259, 88 74-75 (amending 630(b) adding 633a), clarifying extends, exceptions, benefits, 101-433, 104 978 630(l)). THOMAS,post, 606-613 (dissenting opinion), unnaturally limiting comprehensive principal evil targeted," 607, inconsistent (1976) (the protects whites), (1998) sex men sexual harassment men). His wrong place. infra, 596-598, expressed unqualified use conventionally VII), narrowing particular practice induced enact prohibition. using understood, ("age" "relatively age"). mistaken, 603-606, infer antithesis mistake confining application broad address matter. SeeLawrence Irondequoit, 246 150, 161 (WDNY 2002) (following Hamilton); Greer Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, 85 FEP Cases 416, 419 (SDNY 2001) (noting unanimity courts); Dittman Motors Corp.-Delco Chassis Div., 941 284, 286-287 (Conn. 1996) (alternative holding) Parker Wakelin, 882 1131, 1140 (Me. 1995) ("The construed permit persons"); Wehrly Sales 678 1366, 1382 Ind. 1988) arguably Mississippi Power Light Local Union Nos. 605 985, IBEW, 945 980, 985 (SD Miss. 1996), allowed objecting 60 65 range, discussing plaintiffs lack action. shy revising constructions SeePublic 167-168 (1989) (observing 1978 amendment "changed result" McMann, 434 192 (1977)); 101-664, pp. 10-11, (1990) (stating disapproved McMann's reasoning, 1990 amendments overrule Betts well). gets little credit relenting, though. "The tendency assume appears legal rules, precisely scope them, runs through discussions. tenacity original sin constantly guarded against." Cook, "Substance" "Procedure" Conflict Laws, Yale 333, 337 (1933). passage staple opinions. SeeUnited NationsBank N. C., Variable Annuity Life Ins. 513 251, 262 (1995); CAB Delta 316, 328 (1961). An wider contextual enquiry conclusion, introduce unwelcome discord plans. example, Tax Code requires allow reach diversify stock ownership plans part, 401(a)(28)(B); removes penalty early distributions 59½, 72(t)(2)(A)(i); receive immediately retiring 65, 401(a)(14); adjust employee's continues 70½, 401(a)(9)(C)(iii). Employee Income Security 1974 similar provisions. See,e. 1002(24) ("normal come plan specifies later); 1053(a) (a pay full retire normal age). Taken directives viewed exception carved recognized principle withhold Viewed whole, incoherent alleged belief existed. Essentially answer suffices odds employers' "print[ing] notice advertisement relating indicating preference, limitation, specification, age." 623(e) add, though, Dominick himself appear sought clarification presented, appended prospective charge hired one." 723, 15-16 alsoid., (mentioning confusion counsel). considered result undesirable. ("[M]any complexities surrounding adequately dealt committee"). dissenting. §§ 621-634, unlawful whether, absence defense, i. e., affirmative. states, pertinent part: "It situations applies, discriminate over. factor." (2003). represents tasked 628. brushes aside "clearly wrong." Ante, 600. I agree contention rests: "regular ADEA." evident, Part THOMAS's anything "regular." foreclosed unreasonable. Because 623(a) "does unambiguously interpretation, [EEOC's] text," Barnhart Thomas, ante, 29-30, agency's authoritative conclusion. 218, 257 (SCALIA, dissenting). respectfully dissent. KENNEDY joins, case. mandates outcome: respondents sue issued adjudicator, adopt provision. portion relevant outcome. Despite tools lead inexorably apparently disappointed today adopts doing necessity, creates tool proceeds newly created "social history" analysis dispositive weight. approach interpreting antidiscrimination starting always language,"Community Creative Non-Violence Reid, 490 730, 739 "courts presume legislature says there," Connecticut Nat. Bank Germain, 503 249, 253-254 (1992). looking historical instead itself, unambiguous," my "judicial inquiry [would be] complete." 254 (internal quotation marks omitted). allows suits discriminated restricted sole struggle describe behavior. wonder how incidents, considers unusual, atypical, aberrant. 591 (concluding "common usage" identify centering multiple "age." note, namely, old; Heritage Dictionary (3d ed. 1992); Oxford (1999); Webster's Third New International (1993). secondary course, primary few immediate meaning. phrases "hair white Dictionary, 33, "eyes dim Random English Language (2d 1987), possibly "young unlike "he portions effectively destroys advertising prohibition, 623(e), 623(f)(1), rendered age."1 true "`presumption meaning'" "rigid" overcome clear, 595 (1932)), rebutted noted, "such refers chronological At least, unclear bars Only incorrectly concluding unequivocally "against older," 591, conclude "context" 623(f)(1) "age," 596-597. structural raised "discriminates protections 631(a). glance, odd paired perfectly explanation. easily damaging, unjustly otherwise recover due irrational (whether old) difficult recovering discharge employment. comports report, Dept. 1965), parallel itself. 621(a)(1) (finding themselves disadvantaged displaced jobs"); 621(a)(3) resultant deterioration skill, morale, acceptability bolstered administering Court's, binding Garrett Runyon, Appeal 01960422, 1997 WL 574739, *1 (EEOC, Sept. 5, 1997). (1984), Of hand, untenable. disagrees strains credulity unreasonable suggest instant case, ADEA," ignore (and, incidentally, correct) advocate. piece addressing text. really said. (1967).2 hence delve correct. Strangely, explain why departs accepted methods statutes. does, forth adopting III-A here," "is `age'; `discriminate age.'. history." 596 define history," something separate sentence. Indeed, defined previous sanctioned Today, unprecedented step, concept. targeted passed section analysis, pointedly notes antiyouth Executive Branch officials Members pertained faced age.3 reaches final, (that "ordinary people" "talk [as] [referring to] 591) young" 590-591. Hence, concludes mind particular, principal, form passes "discriminating [some personal quality]," quality]" quality. interpreted nondiscrimination manner. "[S]tatutory prohibitions go cover evils, laws governed." 75, 79 (1998). oddity technique highlighted racial-discrimination 253, seq. doubt motivation enactment 1964 prevent racial minorities, blacks. 110 6552 (1964) Humphrey) goals ones: extend Negro citizens rights take granted"). Kennedy, announcing problems, "Negro baby born America today. one-half chance completing school one-third becoming professional man, twice unemployed, prospects earning half much." Radio Television People Rights, 237, June, 11, 1963, 468-469 (1964). He examples, cited occurrences, whites motivated (even part) bill. Considered impetus submission Congress,4 1961 focused solely noting, instance, "twin problems" skilled "are magnified minority groups discussed analyzed severe statistics compared 1-4; 153 (summarizing Commission, listing examples blacks). (or incidents) whites. filled decrying minorities disadvantages suffered, contain 7204 Clark) ("I market, legislation. economics heart bias. condemned poverty equal opportunities. kept mainstream life"); 7379 Kennedy) ("Title what, judgment, Negroes increase happiness. [T]o deprived decent living income needed bring children family tragedy"); 6547 present members hired, promoted, assignments"); disfavorable nonwhites whites); confined region country. harmful groups"); 6548 crux occupations traditionally closed them"); 6562 Kuchel) ("If Puerto Rican Indian Japanese-American Mexican descent secure opportunity advance commensurate right served public accommodation meaningless member hard studies, confronted life unskilled menial labor, loss occurred, human being, Nation"); 6748 Moss) ("All us, color, national origin knows prepare works, diligently turns day, overtime puts in, boss crew foreman division. title displace running"). appeared incidents whites, incidents. "that [white] [racial minorities]," hardly "a requir[ing] minorities]." 591. [race would] [be] treading path 1976.5 (holding minorities). McDonald, VII, individual" race," 2000e-2(a)(1), race." 278-279. Admittedly, decisions, 279-280, 280 Rec., 2578 (remarks Celler); 7218 (memorandum Clark); 7213 Sens. Clark Case); 8912 Williams)). But, already noted above, 605, line And, again posture VII: cuts against. Yarborough). abundantly then, astray well-settled principles examination (if outright conflict) matters. Under current approach, Oncale6 wrongly decided. hope catch errors Responding dissent, insists "particular mistake," "confining matter." 592, 5. contrast "general application." 597-598. thus, seems trying "narrower reading" setting." 598.7 seriously attempt analyze Instead, jumps to, entire "whole age.'" 596. words, exclusively reading. explained age,'" 2000e-2(a)(1). affirm Appeals. resorts sleight hand avoid Section provides needed, bans [of] Again, print advertisements applicants (where considering banned ADEA), requesting ADEA) Seeante, 598 Javits). 587 [Wirtz] Labor] juniors"); 589 "nothing seniors"); 590 exception, "all `older' `younger' ones"). Loevy, End Segregation: Politics Passage most, all, "[M]ale-on-male workplace assuredly enacted VII."Oncale, 79. VII's [to correct]," excessive male-on-male harassment. differently: states "prohibition agediscrimination sex." appropriately sense.

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