Opinion ID: 287267
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Relevance of the Evidence to which Access is Demanded

Text: 20 The Commission is entitled to access to information relevant to the charge under investigation, § 709(a), 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-8(a), and to the production of information relevant or material to the charge under investigation. § 710(a), 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-9(a). Petitioner contends that the evidence sought by the Commission is not relevant to the charges under investigation because [i]t extends to records concerning every employee in every category of employment. 4 21 We consider an employer's pattern of action relevant to the Commission's determination of whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the employer has practiced racial discrimination. Parham v. Southwestern Bell Tel. Co., LR-68-C-81 (E.D.Ark., Oct. 9, 1968), reprinted in respondent-appellee's Appendix D. Discrimination on the basis of race is by definition class discrimination, Jenkins v. United Gas Corp., 400 F.2d 28 (5 Cir. 1968); Hill v. Werthan Bag Corp., 251 F.Supp. 184, 186 (M.D.Tenn.1966), and the existence of patterns of racial discrimination in job classifications or hiring situations other than those of the complainants may well justify an inference that the practices complained of here were motivated by racial factors. 22 Moreover, evidence concerning employment practices other than those specifically charged by complainants may properly be considered by the Commission in framing a remedy. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 should not be construed narrowly, and the Commission may, in the public interest, provide relief which goes beyond the limited interests of the charging parties. Jenkins v. United Gas Corp., 400 F.2d 28 (5 Cir. 1968); King v. Georgia Power Co., 295 F.Supp. 943 (N.D.Ga.1968). 23 The judgment of the District Court is affirmed.