Document: 408 U.S. 169 92 S.Ct. 2338 33 L.Ed.2d 266 Catherine J. HEALY et al., Petitioners,v.F. Don JAMES al. No. 71—452. Argued March 28, 1972. Decided June 26, Syllabus Petitioners, seeking to form a local chapter of Students for Democratic Society (SDS) at state-supported college, were denied recognition as campus organization. Recognition would have entitled petitioners use facilities meetings and the bulletin board school newspaper. The college president because he was not satisfied that petitioners' group independent National SDS, which concluded has philosophy disruption violence in conflict with college's declaration student rights. Petitioners thereupon brought this action declaratory injunctive relief. District Court first ordered further administrative hearing, after reaffirmed his prior decision. Approving president's judgment, held had failed show they could function free from SDS refusal approve group, court found 'likely cause violent acts disruption,' did violate associational Appeals, purporting reach First Amendment issues, affirmed on ground avail themselves due process accorded them meet their burden complying prevailing standards recognition. Held: 1. courts erred (1) discounting cognizable interest furthering personal beliefs (2) assuming entitlement by rather than justify its nonrecognition once made application conformably requirements. Pp. 180—185. 2. Insofar denial based an assumed relationship or result disagreement group's philosophy, consequence fear disruption, there no support record, decision violated A proper basis might been afforded, however, showing refused comply rule requiring abide reasonable regulations. Since record is clear whether such and, if so, intend observe it, these issues remain be resolved. 185—194. 2 Cir., 445 F.2d 1122, reversed remanded. Melvin L. Wulf, New York City, petitioners. F. Michael Ahern, Hartford, Conn., respondents. Mr. Justice POWELL delivered opinion Court. 1 This case, arising out state official students who desired (SDS), presents questions well-established principles. While factual background particular case raises constitutional manner heretofore passed Court, only infrequently presented lower federal courts, our today governed existing precedent. As involves delicate concerning academic community, we approach task special caution, recognizing mutual students, faculty members, administrators environment disruptive interference educational process. We also are mindful equally significant widest latitude expression debate consonant maintenance order. Where interests appear compete, Amendment, binding States Fourteenth strikes required balance. 3 * mention briefly outset setting 1969—1970. climate unrest prevailed many campuses country. There widespread civil disobedience some campuses, accompanied seizure buildings, vandalism, arson. Some colleges shut down altogether, while others files looted manuscripts destroyed. chapters those catalytic force during period.1 Although causes complex, one prime consequences activities lawful exercise rights majority few. Indeed, most cherished characteristics long associated institutions higher learning appeared endangered. Fortunately, passage time, calmer atmosphere greater maturity now pervade campuses. Yet, it earlier arose. 4 attending Central Connecticut State College (CCSC), institution learning. In September 1969 undertook organize what then referred 'local chapter' SDS. Pursuant procedures established College, filed request organization Student Affairs Committee, committee composed four three Dean Affairs. specified purposes proposed organization's existence. It provide 'a forum discussion self-education developing analysis American society'; serve 'an agency integrating thought so bring about constructive changes'; endeavor coordinating body relating problems leftist students' other interested groups community.2 statement unobjectionable face, exhibited concern over between response inquiries, representatives stated affiliate any national 'completely independent.' 5 asked Committee members SDS' reputation applicants following statements, proved later stages proceedings: 6 'Q. How you respond S.D.S. have? 7 'A. Our dependent upon each issue. 8 Would means possible? 9 No I can't say that; know until are. 10 Could envision interrupting class? 11 Impossible me say.' 12 With information before requested additional filing applicants, including formal regarding affiliations. amended flatly 'CCSC under dictates organization.'3 At second hearing question raised again. One organizers explained divided into several 'factional groups,' national-local loose one, accepted 'certain ideas' but all aims philosophies. 13 By vote six two ultimately approved recommended President Dr. James, approving application, indicated premised belief varying viewpoints should represented since Young Americans Freedom, Democrats, Republicans, Liberal Party enjoyed recognized status, available 'left wing' identify. noted relied claim independence. Finally, admonished immediate suspension considered incompatible school's policies against privacy destruction property. dissenting reservation primarily lack clarity 14 Several days later, rejected Committee's recommendation, issued indicating benefits His accompanying remarks, set full margin,4 indicate reasons action. He antithetical policies,5 independence doubtful. approval granted 'openly repudiates' College's dedication freedom. 15 Denial posed serious existence growth. Its deprived opportunity place announcements meetings, rallies, newspaper; precluded using various boards; and—most importantly—nonrecognition barred holding meetings. latter disability home shortly President's announcement. circulated notice calling meeting discuss taken light rejection. met coffee shop Center ('Devils' Den') disbanded order nonrecognized facilities.6 16 Their efforts gain having unsuccessful, feel nonrecognition, resorted courts. They suit United Connecticut, relief administrators, Board Trustees. Petitioners' primary complaint centered association submitted initially stipulated facts, short judge ruled procedural conclusions applicant's affiliation outside him. wished act material must least introduce evidence 311 F.Supp. 1275, 1279, 1281. retaining jurisdiction respondents hold clarify ambiguities surrounding matters explored organization, true repeated affirmations, fact Id., 1282. And demonstrated separable, instructed review 'aims philosophy' Ibid. 17 court's order, designated Judd, Affairs, officer scheduled. spanned dates lasted approximately hours, added little terms objective substantive case. introduced offering change name 'Students College.' 'have connection whatsoever structure organization.'7 testimony adviser effect organizations elsewhere unaffiliated officer, addition introducing minutes pertinent introduced, sua sponte, portions transcript hearings House Representatives Internal Security investigating Excerpts offered both prove attributed demonstrate existed cooperated regional affiliates. challenge asserted nor system affiliations sort. contention simply associate network. Throughout parties acting cross purposes. What seemed relevant completely immaterial other. failure advance litigation was, bottom, more basic join issue considerations control ultimate decision, problem will return ensuing section. 18 Upon reviewing exhibits, deny stated, closely paralleling initial reasons, 'disruptive influence' CCSC 'contrary orderly change' campus. 19 After issued, returned where dismissed. concluded, first, requisites complied with, second, third, stamp whose conduct disruption' 319 113, 116. 20 appealed Appeals Second Circuit where, two-to-one vote, Court's judgment affirmed. purported theory 1131—1132. Judge Smith dissented, disagreeing majority's address merits finding 1136. certiorari 404 983, 452, 30 366 follow, conclude judgments below remanded reconsideration. II 21 note universities enclaves immune sweep Amendment. 'It can hardly argued either teachers shed freedom speech schoolhouse gate.' Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, 393 503, 506, 89 733, 736, 731 (1969). Of course, Fortas Tinker, always applied 'in . environment' And, state-operated involved, 'the need affirming comprehensive authority officials, consistent fundamental safeguards, prescribe schools.' 507, 737. precedents leave room view that, acknowledged protections apply less compuses community large. Quite contrary, '(t)he vigilant protection freedoms nowhere vital Shelton Tucker, 364 479, 487, 81 247, 251, 231 (1960). classroom environs peculiarly "marketplace ideas," break new reaffirming Nation's safeguarding Keyishian Regents, 385 589, 603, 87 675, 683, 629 (1967); Sweezy Hampshire Wyman, 354 234, 249—250 (1957) (plurality Chief Warren), 262, 77 1203, 1211—1212, 1217, 1311 (Frankfurter, J., concurring result). 22 Among protected right individuals beliefs. explicitly implicit speech, assembly, petition. See, e.g., Baird Bar Arizona, 401 1, 6, 91 702, 705, 27 639 (1971); NAACP Button, 371 415, 430, 83 328, 336, 405 (1963); Louisiana ex rel. Gremillion NAACP, 293, 296, 1333, 1335, 301 (1961); Alabama Patterson, 357 449, 78 1163, 1488 (1958) (Harlan, unanimous Court). doubt recognition, without justification, burdens abridges right. impediment flowing appropriate practical when, announced, allowed group. 23 circumscribed boards If viable entity enter regular basis, possess communicating students. Moreover, ability participate intellectual give take debate, pursue purposes, limited access customary media administration, students.8 Such impediments cannot viewed insubstantial. 24 Respondents abridged 25 'President James' discretionary denying legitimately magnified distorted constitutionally ideas segment students; neither does deter way individual advocacy beliefs; reasonably construed invasion of, chilling freedom.' F.Supp., 26 'administrative seal respectability.'9 agreed 'college's approval.' 1131. same position here, arguing still may off campus, distribute written together informally campus—as individuals, CCSC—SDS. do agree characterization nonrecognition. concede, Harlan U.S., 461, S.Ct., 1171, administration 'has direct restrict (petitioners) freely. .' But Constitution's requirement Patterson disclose membership lists impermissible, though indirect, infringement members' Likewise, possible exist ameliorate significantly disabilities imposed disregard realities. Stewart salient point: 'Freedom heavy-handed frontal attack, being stifled subtle governmental interference.' Bates City Little Rock, 361 516, 523, 80 412, 416, 480 See 263, 1218 result); Watkins States, 178, 197, 1173, 1184, 1273 (1957). 28 opinions College.10 challenged file conformity rules College,11 final rejection rest convince For opinion, consider controlling one. But, apart issue, requirements, Law Civil Rights Research Council Wadmond, 154, 162—163, 720, 726—727, 749 O'Brien, 391 367, 376—377, 88 1673, 1678 1679, 672 (1968); Speiser Randall, 513, 1332, 1460 (1958). remembered restraint, range described above. legitimate preventing circumstances 'heavy burden' rests appropriateness Near Minnesota Olson, 283 697, 713—716, 51 625, 630 631, 75 L.Ed. 1357 (1931); Organization Better Austin Keefe, 402 418, 1575, 1577, 29 Freedman Maryland, 380 51, 57, 85 734, 738, 649 (1965). III These errors—discounting misplacing proof—require reversed. unable exists appropriate. reading ambiguous facts appears potentially acceptable Because effort guidance reconsideration, bases Four justifications related, derived statements. Three grounds inadequate substantiate decision: fourth, merit. A. From controversy large measure around relationship, any, reflected minutes, focused considerable attention issue; court-ordered directed question. Despite assurances counsel evident James influenced apprehension connection. Aware activity, apparently itself sufficient justification recognition.12 31 precise come heretofore, consistently disapproved imposing criminal sanctions privileges solely citizen's unpopular Robel, 389 258, 419, 508 605—610, 684—688; Elfbrandt Russell, 384 11, 86 1238, 321 (1966); Scales 367 203, 1469, 782 (1961). cases 'guilt alone, (establishing) individual's poses threat feared Government,' impermissible supra, 265, 424. government establishing knowing possessing unlawful goals, specific intent illegal aims.13 32 Society, conceded loosely organized, factions promoting number diverse social political views call action.14 Not proclaim complete organization,15 shared leaders expressed.16 On adequate B Having affiliated retained affinity for, believed characterized petitioning adhering 'some major tenets organization,' disruption.17 Understandably, abhorrent. article signed alumni periodical, part below, announced unwillingness 'sanction openly advocates very ideals life founded.' emphasized 'philosophies' 'counter policy college.' 34 mere affords reason repugnant been, especially responsibility, Whether advocate 'destruction' thus becomes immaterial. here instrumentality State, finds expressed Black put clearly: 35 'I believe too often press, petition assembly guaranteed hate sooner cherish.' Communist Subversive Activities Control Board, 137, 1357, 1431, 625 (dissenting opinion) C 36 progressed third rationale decision—beyond philosophy—began emerge. statement, indicates conclusion influence CCSC.' language underscored opinion. fact, determined CCSC—SDS' 'prospective likely 37 reason, factually supported decisions considering propriety critical line drawn determining permissibility regulation 'directed inciting producing imminent lawless incite produce action.' Brandenburg Ohio, 395 444, 447, 1827, 1829, 430 (1969) (unanimous per curiam opinion). 230—232, 1486—1488; Noto 290, 298, 1517, 1521, 836 Yates 1064, 8l.Ed.2d 1356 context 'special environment,'18 power prohibit 'lawless action' nature. Also prohibitable actions 'materially substantially disrupt work discipline school.' 740. Associational tolerated infringe rules, interrupt classes, interfere obtain education. 38 'Student Bill Rights' CCSC, great emphasis placed President, draws precisely distinction purports impose limitations 'to examine them.' (Emphasis supplied.) states deprive speak heard,' invade others,' (3) damage property (4) essential operation college,' (5) others.'19 permissible tracks requirement, evidential CCSC—SDS substantial violation command affirmed.20 39 offers conclusion. reputed ambivalent responses 'issues violence' Nor unequivocally never 'envision class.' Whatever statements largely dissipated exchange hearing: 40 'Counsel: '. just read document you're (minutes meeting) see there's anything intimates contemplate practice.' 41 Dean: 'No. There's counselor. App. 73—74. 42 Judd's remark reaffirms, accord constitute Therefore, insofar flowed fears, constituted sort 'undifferentiated disturbance (which) enough overcome expression.' 508, D 43 references equivocation how ever class,' suggest fourth why remarks well announcing bound governing conduct. Statement Rights, Freedoms, Responsibilities contains, seen, explicit respect disruption. regulation, carefully differentiating action, questioned directly.21 Yet raise prohibitions contained therein.22 44 already Parts C, advocacy, protection, not. may, choose, preach amending even doing away not, undertake flout rules. Blackmun, time circuit Eighth Circuit, stated: 45 'We inherent promulgate regulations; properly discipline; appropriately protect property; expect adhere generally conduct.' Esteban Missouri 415 1077, 1089 (CA8 1969), cert. denied, 398 965, 90 2169, 548 (1970). 46 Just large, regulations place, speech-related respected.23 affirm willingness law. condition out, assemble, changes sense infringed. merely constitutes agreement conform respecting minimal entire privilege 47 aspects requirements applications unclear point, have, among prospective remand requirement. ascertained comply. affirmation us, called decide formulation acceptable. Assuming valid rule, participation internal reserves disagrees.24 IV 48 think above establishes framework consideration principles, respondents' willing regulations, note, holding, wide Constitution costs risk civility society. resulted, elsewhere, others. Though deplore tendency abuse invoke, although certainly tolerated, reaffirm principles vigorous society founded. 49 Reversed 50 BURGER, concurring. am said it. applicable organizations. calls disavowal resort force, 52 troubled scheme inform steps secure standing, articulated criteria used evaluating eligibility matter inquiry processing de novo within structure. federal, last resort. Part experience every responsible self-government joint enterprise faculty. unilaterally above, dictated Here, spite wisdom sending back identified adequately addressed hearing. 53 relatively placid past prepared respective responsibilities maintaining divergent vigorously, civilly, end seek heard 'Statement Freedoms Students,' sometimes Rights,' petitioners, rational adjustment competing interests. impossible acknowledge obligation 'Bill Rights.' 54 Against background, remanding 55 DOUGLAS. 56 add few words. 57 Birenbaum* says, status quo university (trustees overseers), officers, include caretakers, police, Those well-defined vaguely inferred values perpetuate. technique conceive minds receptacles garnered years. Education commonly filling deems fit proper. 58 Many, inside circles, realize main own re-education re-orientation. narrow specialties modern times. History by, leaving interesting relics bygone day. More represent withered pressures McCarthyism forces timid replica ideal 59 confrontation oncoming upsetting. choosing sides. Students—who, Twenty-sixth become eligible when years age—are adults community. concerns quite different values, views, ideologies war ones traditionally espoused indoctrinated. When ask change, they, tradition Jefferson Madison 60 authorize violence. activities, espousal change. 61 present minuscule events 60's 70's. resolution sickness world, measured standards. credentials search truth. integrated, adult society, stubborn opposed faculties communal age learns Without ferment kind another, (like human institution) useless appendage spirit rebellion. APPENDIX TO OPINION OF DOUGLAS, 62 'A compulsory ghetto fails inhabitants develop common goals effectively together. fatal disconnection possession cognition knowledge, power, carries responsibility. respects like ghetto. 63 'Those powerful role account institution's terms, lately—partly, guess, legal reasoning styles exposed—that playing tinker toys. committees, senates student-participation formulae necessarily mean changed. Berkeley, Columbia, Harvard Chicago examples, restructuring turns brilliant inventions sustaining quo. vested involved current effects restructure yet surface. melting iceberg waterline. 64 'That critique deserves bears teach, teach taught. things points building programs, corporate investments, relationships citizenship university, turn projections suggests perfectly absurd hair war, nurse Negro, freshman political-science course pollution fresh air, education free. Obviously, contemporary activist crazy. 65 probably mistake revealing really much know, learn it—our way. accept gospel, encouraged curriculum development essentially sophisticated art selection, interpretation interest. Understanding this, naturally begun key bearing privileges: talent empowered select? Who employ interpret, deploy wealth enterprise? 66 'Obviously kept punishment-and-reward systems extremely important. concede older something don't, asserting uniqueness experience, claiming charge don't. kindergarten level rediscover principle revered education—that plays positive active role, definite contribute 67 'The young—suspended precariously obsessed Vietnam violence, race crime culture violence—are restating eternal education: important learn, people best together? Regarding enduring questions, asking officially encourages young grow up (even keeping bondage), namely: shall judge? suggest, responds through uptight delineation jurisdictions powers university. 68 'Today's disruptions born 1776 1787. mind Thomas anchored traditions Heidelberg, Oxford, Paris, Bologna, Rome, Greece, religions early Christians ancient Hebrews, transformed old new, proposal Virginia. created latest thing, Truth. adventure, genuine departure, unlike country Morrill Act—that is, higher-education establishment. 69 West anti- counter-revolutionary. Operating traditions, produced revolutionary institutionally uses knowledge mainly toward confirmation quo, particularly cultural themes peace, integration, equality, humane fall beyond purview 70 'But run counter deployment knowledge. Vietnam, poverty, racism overbearing logic technology—in Bedford-Stuyvesant—the country, principle, revolutionary. these: Can developed humanely, colleagues meant? equality mean, whatever meant means, achieve version adventure? Are democracy consistent? Is behalf given now, realistic? Negroes suddenly people? genocides decent others, cesspools fragrant others? 71 'In event, Bedford-Stuyvesant crammed red-white-and-blue Americans. ought practice preach, that's problem. We've oversold America ourselves, my good friends—looking street circuses campuses—who confront deeply un-American phenomenon, face misread going there. vibrant, far-reaching reassertion claims, claimed is.' W. Birenbaum, Something Everybody Enough 67—69, 248—249. 72 REHNQUIST, result. 73 subscribe concur reaches. understand sent reconsideration sufficiently critically promulgated college. 74 find implication government's administrator differ sovereign enforce laws. quotations (1969), environment,' (CA8, 'may conduct,' emphasize fact. Cases Public Workers Mitchell, 330 75, 556, 754 (1947), Pickering etc., 563, 1731, 811 (1968). make capacity employer differs executing said: 76 arrive balance teacher, citizen, commenting public employer, efficiency services performs employees.' 568, 1734. distinctions dimension government, dealing imposition sanctions, (1961), (1957), administrator. restraint court, (1931), comparable typical sanction abandon plan shop. Prior fungible goods, doctrine distinctions. employees citizens. infliction punishment, hand, milder disciplinary other, implicated each. 79 tends obscure distinctions, important, Report Commission Campus Unrest (1970); Association Government Dissent Appendix Circuit's dissent thereto. 1135—1139 (1971). F.2d, 1133. During why, indeed independent, chose nationally known name. witness' brings type wish across left-wing allow express themselves.' 'Though appreciation recommending purpose unmistakable adherence be. published contrary (by faculty, administration) states: "Students others.' organization' clarifies intends follow repudiates policy. open ideas, outlined 'college them, publicly privately, means. demonstrations protest gatherings utilize petition'—these precious cherish stand. To joins Students' Central.' 15—16. 1969, adopted, universities, Students. printed 1135—1139, n. 2, supra. V imposes activities: Care establishment rights, preserved. 'B. submit purpose, membership, list officers institutional 'C. Membership matriculated (day evening) restricted race, religion nationality. sole determine 'D. Each choose adviser. Advisers advise policies. 'E. heard, approached deans, served memorandum stating: 'Notice received office 'C.C.S.C.—S.D.S. Thursday—November 7:00 p.m. Devils' Den.' 'Such Den C.C.S.C.—S.D.S. duly 'You hereby notified cease desist property.' D.C., 114 objection, inadmissible, amendment original scope ruling, reviewed subsequent reference exclusion. funds budget. oral argument 'make funds.' Tr. Oral Arg. 4. '(r)ecognition thereby entitle financial support.' 1277. least, entitles funds, silent allocating funding aspect contrast significance claim. 1280—1282. 1131; require procedure, officers. Applicants limit 'matriculated discriminate 'examine interest,' petition, prohibited interfering 5, validity 4, text statement. cited 164—166, 727—728, re Stolar, 23, 713, 716, 657 Aptheker Secretary 378 500, 84 1659, 992 (1964); 299—300, 1521—1522, Hearings Subcommittee Appropriations, 92d Cong., 2d Sess., pt. p. 916 (1972), former Director Federal Bureau Investigation, Edgar Hoover, spun leadership 'critical bombing violence.' orally submission Committee. restated nonaffiliation courtordered indication eschew altogether. 3, identify National's 'pick certain Dist., designed regulate restricts rights—as non-recognition does—the related State's incidental restriction alleged furtherance interest.' 377, Flowers, 377 288, 1302, 325 Gibson Florida Legislative Investigation 372 539, 546, 889, 893, 929 absent likelihood recognize conduct, necessary us response. 'failed candidly inquiries interruption classes.' intimating advance, ambiguity point. propounded engage. attempt clarification answers specifically tangentially. testify, clarified. counsel, tactics 'disruptive' elected argumentative elicit testimony. 1126. subject inquiry, coupled representatives, lends necessary. Adderley Florida, 39, 47—48, 242, 247—248, 149 Cox Louisiana, 379 536, 558, 453, 466, 471 (1965); 297, 1336, administration's broad rulemaking assure traditional safeguarded, find, instance, admonition practice—recognition, accorded, withdrawn suspended fail University Southern Mississippi Chapter Liberties Union Mississippi, 452 564 (CA5 1971); Radford 315 893 (W.D.Va.1970).

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