Document: 409 U.S. 75 93 S.Ct. 259 34 L.Ed.2d 290 Daisy JOHNSON et al., Petitioners,v.NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT al. No. 71 - 5685. Argued Nov. 8, 1972. Decided 20, Carl Jay Nathanson, Freeport, N.Y., for petitioners. Joel Lewittes, New York City, respondents. PER CURIAM. 1 We granted certiorari to review the judgment of United States Court Appeals Second Circuit, 449 F.2d 871 (1971), affirming District Court's (319 F.Supp. 271) dismissal petitioners' complaint challenging constitutionality Education Law § 701 seq. (1971). 405 916, 92 986, 30 785 (1972). However, respondents' brief states that '(o)n May 3, 1972, qualified voters respondent school district elected by majority vote assess a tax purchase all textbooks grades one through six in schools district.' In light this fact, and given suggestion at oral argument books themselves have life expectancy five years, is vacated case remanded Eastern determine whether has become moot. 2 Mr. Justice MARSHALL, concurring. 3 While I join decision, feel obliged state somewhat more fully what view be reasons meaning remand. 4 The statutory scheme here under attack effectively denies indigent elementary public children unless their approve especially purpose providing books.1 Petitioners who are recipients assistance allege, inter alia, statute, as applied children, creates wealth classification violative Equal Protection Clause. 5 When action was initiated September 1970, Board Union Free School 27 not free although were available upon payment fee, which petitioners unable afford.2 practical consequence situation forced sit "bookless, side same classroom with other wealthy learning purchase(d) (thus engendering) widespread feeling inferiority unfitness poor (which) psychologically, emotionally educationally disastrous well being."3 Indeed, an affidavit submitted indicated least case, child told 'he will receive 'F' (each) day because he without required text-books. pupils class read from text-books, teacher doesn't let him share book another pupil, instead she gives paper tells draw.'4 Despite evidence, Appeals, Judge dissenting, affirmed complaint. certiorari.5 6 This obviously raises questions large constitutional importance. For two full years denied access solely indigency families while these being considered lower courts. After we had certiorari, however, finally agreed levy grades, now been provided. 7 decision remand so can consequences new development. do believe acts out proper sense our duty decide only live controversies, best resolve factual issues resolution mootness question depends. Certainly, mere act remanding no way suggests any particular fact That first instance. 8 reaching his will, course, take into account standards previously articulated resolving problems. On hand, '(a) (may be) moot if subsequent events (make) it absolutely clear allegedly wrongful behavior could reasonably expected recur.' v. Concentrated Phosphate Export Assn., 393 199, 203, 89 361, 364, 21 344 (1968). See also SEC Medical Committee Human Rights, 404 403, 577, 560 But on other, '(m)ere voluntary cessation illegal conduct does case; did, courts would compelled leave '(t)he defendant . return old ways." supra, 364. context involving electoral processes, principles generally found expression proposition problem 'capable repetition, yet evading review." Moore Ogilvie, 394 814, 816, 1493, 1494, 23 (1969).6 9 applying should ascertain nature textbook district. Respondents suggested resolved once recent purchases. To sure, they contend useful years. adequately destruction extraordinary events, loss due theft, obsolescence curriculum changes? And, even accepting five-year figure, make non-recurring insofar continuing viability litigation concerned? 10 investigate posture legal presented might again arise when begin wear out. Will delay holding election until actually needed? Is possible proceed entire year, or more, deprived books, before deprivation determined? 11 These seem me essential consider disposing issue mootness.7 Under law, local districts loan students seven 12. N.Y. Educ. No such provision made six; those district's eligible provide funds textbooks, 703 fee imposed $7.50 per child. 871, 873 (CA2 1971) (quoting approval allegations). Affidavit App. 28. prior statements rough guidance particularly since deal process employed irregular basis needed. Nevertheless, think enlightening appropriate inquiries Nor overlook brought 'on own behalf persons similarly aggrieved.' Even petitioners, there may members remain aggrieved thus viable one, see, e.g., Cypress Newport News General & Nonsectarian Hospital 375 648, 657—658 (CA4 1967); Gatling Butler, 52 F.R.D. 389, 394—395 (D.Conn.1971). Cf. Brockington Rhodes, 396 41, 43, 90 206, 207, 24 209 (1969).

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