Document: 433 U.S. 321 97 S.Ct. 2720 53 L.Ed.2d 786 E. C. DOTHARD et al., Appellantsv.Dianne RAWLINSON al. No. 76-422. Argued April 19, 1977. Decided June 27, Syllabus After her application for employment as a 'correctional counselor' (prison guard) in Alabama was rejected because she failed to meet the minimum 120-pound weight requirement of an statute, which also establishes height 5 feet 2 inches, appellee Rawlinson (hereafter appellee) filed charge with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and ultimately brought class action against appellant corrections officials challenging statutory requirements regulation establishing gender criteria assigning correctional counselors 'contact' positions (positions requiring close physical proximity inmates) violative Title VII Civil Rights Act 1964, inter alia. A three-judge District Court decided appellee's favor. On basis national statistics comparative men women indicating that Alabama's standards would exclude over 40% female population but less than 1% male population, court found respect such had made out prima facie case unlawful sex discrimination, appellants rebut. The challenged impermissible under being based on stereotyped characterizations sexes, and, rejecting appellants' bona-fide-occupational-qualification defense § 703(e) VII, ruled not qualification job counselor position maximum-security penitentiary. Held: 1. did err holding prohibited represents. Pp. 328-332. (a) To establish plaintiff need only show facially neutral question, standards, select applicants hire significantly discriminatory pattern, here showing disproportionate impact statistics, rather actual applicants, sufficed make case. 328-331. (b) Appellants rebut discrimination are related they have relationship strength essential efficient performance counselor, where produced no evidence correlating requisite amount thought good performance, fact offer any kind specific justification standards. P. 331. 2. In particular circumstances this case, erred contention question falls within narrow ambit exception 703(e), it appearing from maintains prison system violence is order day, inmate access guards facilitated by dormitory living arrangements, every institution understaffed, substantial portion composed offenders mixed at random other prisoners, therefore use penitentiaries pose security problem, directly linked guard. 332-337. 418 F.Supp. 1169, affirmed part, reversed remanded. G. Daniel Evans, Montgomery, Ala., appellants, pro hac vice, special leave Court. Pamela S. Horowitz, appellees, Mr. Justice STEWART delivered opinion 1 Appellee Dianne sought Board Corrections guardCalled counselor.' rejected, suit 78 Stat. 253, amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000e seq. (1970 ed. Supp. V), 1983, alleging been denied violation federal law. Federal Middle Mieth v. Dothard, 1169. We noted probable jurisdiction appeal Court's judgment. 429 976, 483, 50 583.1 * At time applied trainee, 22-year-old college graduate whose major course study psychology. She refused established statute. statute inches.2 3 weight, Commission, received right-to-sue letter.3 then complaint behalf herself similarly situated women, minima Protection Clause Fourteenth Amendment.4 convened.5 While pending, adopted Administrative Regulation 204, institutions 'contact positions,' is, continual inmates institution.6 amended class-action adding challenge 204 Amendment. 4 Like most facilities United States,7 prisons segregated sex. Currently operates four all-male Holman Prison, Kilby Facility, K. Fountain Correction Center, Draper Correctional Center. Julia Tutwiler Prison Women, Frank Lee Youth Number Four Honor Camp, State Cattle Ranch, nine Work Release Centers, one women. Women institutions. Their quarters part large dormitories, communal showers toilets open dormitories hallways. carry extensive farming operations, making necessary number strip searches contraband when prisoners re-enter buildings. counselor's primary duty these maintain control continually supervising observing their activities.8 be eligible consideration applicant must possess valid driver's license, high school education or its equivalent, free defects, between ages 20 1/2 years 45 appointment, fall 120 pounds, maximum 6 10 300 pounds. Appointment merit, grade assigned each experience education. No written examination given. litigation Court, employed total 435 people various positions, 56 whom were Of those 21 13 noncontact institutions, remaining 22 operated Corrections. Because held penitentiaries, 336 jobs majority them concededly classification.9 Thus, even though meeting requirements, could compete equally about 25% available system. II 7 enacting Congress required 'the removal artificial, arbitrary, unnecessary barriers operate invidiously discriminate racial classification.' Griggs Duke Power Co., 401 424, 431, 91 849, 853, 28 158. constitute sort arbitrary barrier equal opportunity forbids.10 assert both finding refusal find that, if do, justified 'job related.' 8 gist claim does involve assertion purposeful motive.11 It asserted, rather, work disproportionately eligibility dealt supra Albemarle Paper Co. Moody, 422 405, 95 2362, 280, similar allegations excluded Negroes employment, cases guide our approach here. 9 Those clear pattern. Once thus shown effect, employer burden given (has) . manifest question.' supra, 432, S.Ct., 854. If proves related, may selection devices without effect 'serve employer's legitimate interest 'efficient trustworthy workmanship." 425, 2375, quoting McDonnell Douglas Corp. Green, 411 792, 801, 93 1817, 1823, 36 668. Although 14 age older compose 52.75% 36.89% labor force, hold 12.9% positions. considering disparity rate hiring 5$2$-requirement 33.29% States 18-79, while excluding 1.28% same ages. restriction 22.29% 2.35% group. When restrictions combined, 41.13% population.12 Accordingly, discrimination. 11 argue generalized should suffice They point Rawlinson's failure adduce concerning Alabama. There requirement, however, statistical always analysis characteristics applicants. See U.S., 430, 853. process might itself adequately reflect potential pool, since otherwise qualified discouraged applying self-recognized inability very discriminatory. International Brotherhood Teamsters States, 431 324, 365-367, 1843, 1869-1871, 52 396. easily determine conclude futile. Moreover, reliance general demographic data misplaced there reason suppose differ markedly population. 12 For reasons, we cannot say wrong plaintiffs exhaust possible source evidence, actually presented face conspicuously demonstrates requirement's grossly impact. discerns fallacies deficiencies offered plaintiff, he countervailing his own. effort made.13 B turn, therefore, argument rebutted related. These say, strength, sufficient unspecified effective counselor. performance. Indeed, standards.14 job-related quality identify bona fide, purpose achieved adopting validating test measures directly.15 Such test, fairly administered, fully satisfy 'measure(s) person abstract.' 436, 856. But nothing present record approaches measurement. 15 reasons discussed, error prohibits III 16 Unlike explicitly discriminates sex.16 overt rely 2000e-2(e), permits sex-based 'in certain instances fide occupational reasonably normal operation business enterprise.' 17 bona-fideoccupational-qualification (bfoq) defense, relying virtually uniform view courts provides narrowest exceptions rule equality opportunities. This has variously formulated. Diaz Pan American World Airways, 442 F.2d 385, 388, Appeals Fifth Circuit 'discrimination essence undermined members exclusively.' (Emphasis original.) earlier Weeks Southern Bell Telephone Telegraph Cir., 408 228, 235, said bfoq proving 'that reasonable cause believe, factual believing, all substantially unable perform safely efficiently duties involved.' Phillips Martin Marietta Corp., 400 542, 496, 27 613. whatever verbal formulation, agreed refuse individual woman man sexes,17 just stereotypical assumptions. 18 persuaded restrictive language relevant legislative history,18 consistent interpretation Commission19 meant extremely prohibition sex.20 State's exception. 19 environment peculiarly inhospitable human beings conditions confinement State, characterized 'rampant violence' 'jungle atmosphere,' constitutionally intolerable. Pugh Locke, 406 318, 325 (MD Ala.). shows inadequate staff facilities, attempt classify segregate according offense level dangerousness procedure expert testimony, penological administration. Consequently, estimated 20% who scattered throughout penitentiaries' facilities. disorganization, oversimplification characterize exercise 'romantic paternalism.' Cf. Frontiero Richardson, 677, 684, 1764, 1769, 583. usual too dangerous appropriately met rejoinder allow choice herself.21 More stake woman's decision weigh accept risks prison. security. relative ability male, maximum-security, unclassified penitentiary type now runs reduced womanhood. expecting criminally assaulted past moved do so again real risk inmates, deprived heterosexual environment, assault women.22 few visible deterrents assaults custodians. Rauwlinson's own testified housing aggressive poses greater problem single-cell lockups, further unwise 10% convicted crimes prisoners.23 likelihood threat victim basic protection personnel. employee's womanhood undermine capacity provide responsibility. 23 testimony experts sides existing ruling penitentiary.24 24 judgment accordingly remanded proceedings opinion. 25 ordered. 26 REHNQUIST, THE CHIEF JUSTICE BLACKMUN join, concurring result part. I agree with, Parts conclusion Part opinion, 'not error' invalidated ante, 332, issues deals bound arise frequently feel obliged separately state my agreement result. affirmance essentially dictated limited legal justifications below requirements. reason, believe read many imposed multitude law enforcement agency pretermitted today's decision. relied upon sufficient, absent rebuttal, sustain 703(a)(2), reveal significant discrepancy numbers men, opposed automatically disqualified figures statewide pool-of-labor-force seem me require us matter admitting into evidence. Hamling 87, 108, 124-125, 94 2887, 2902, 2911-2912, 41 590 (1974); cf. Zenith Radio Hazeltine, 395 100, 123-125, 89 1562, 1576-1578, 129 (1969). first instance, whether appear sufficiently probative ultimate issue disparate some group protected VII. Hazelwood School 299, 312-313, 2736, 2744, 768; see 2911-2912; Mayor Educational Equality League, 415 605, 621 n. 20, 1323, 1333, 39 630 McAllister 348 75 6, 99 L.Ed. (1954); Yellow Cab 338 338, 340-342, 70 177, 178-179, 150 (1949). determination, considered light facts circumstances. 340, 1857, 396 (1977). suffer obvious lack relevancy 308, 2742. reviewing irrelevant contested lacking reliability inadmissible. 29 defendants discredit plaintiffs' face, lawsuit. endeavor impeach rebutting disparage arguments briefs accorded. Since effort, 331, instant 30 means proffered am clearly erroneous. different lead district accurate enough predictor justify, circumstances, minima. Should advance then, cases, shift back demonstrate tests, concern. 280 (1975). But, here, permissible concluded nexus inference. 31 Appellants, placed qualification. 802, 1824, 668 (1973). shouldered offering dependent new confronted, suggested strength. argued job-relatedness strength; urge appearance As notes, 'is .,' 326, function least imagine aided psychological presence tall heavy guards. urged minima, think surely entitled reach did. For, perfectly correlated, preclude saying anyone 5$2$ how strong fact, 32 once defendant, up defendant articulate asserted underlying 1824; 158 (1971); 2375. burden, ordinarily favor trial court. Arnold, Schwinn & 388 365, 374 5, 87 1856, 1863, 1249 (1967); Thomas Taylor, 224 73, 84, 403, 406, 673 (1912); Bruen, How. 169, 187, (1843). 'appearance strength' met. deal 33 MARSHALL, BRENNAN joins, dissenting 34 entirely guards, join much discussion bona-fide-occupationalqualification contained VII.1 unquestionably correct holds sex.' Ante, 334. 544, 497, 613 (1971) (Marshall, J., concurring). must, respectfully disagree 35 properly rejects two denying simply guard's occupation protect themselves adequately. themes permeate below, holds, women' refuted 'purpose herself.' 335. Some like undoubtedly wish serve justify exclusion opportunity. '(i)n case,' ibid., mandate guard highly successful experiences allowing opportunities, California Washington, amici curiae, confirm absolute disqualification not, words 'reasonably operation' What 'barbaric inhumane' prisons, bad conceded violate Constitution. 329, 331 Ala.1976). me, sounds distressingly wrongs right. plain 703(e). requires governmental 'business' 'normally' Every government constrained constitutional limitations. limits violated more wish, disputes 'normal functions takes place them. operating blatant Eighth Amendment remedied speed, Judge Johnson's comprehensive Puch designed do. meantime, existence violations legitimatized calling 'normal.' Nor justifying conduct intended remedy age-old 37 construction objectionable, attitude displays toward Though recognizes harm unacceptable disqualifying relies instead speculative discipline supposedly generated sexuality create danger already exists. All dangers discussed inherent setting, 38 sees 'there custodians.' 336. constantly subject attack 'invisible' protection. primarily ward off order. Guards typically unarmed sheer overcome complement. Rather, officers, moral authority office future punishment miscreants. common sense, fairness, mental emotional stability qualities needs cope job. App. 81. Well trained weapons disposal. severity problems sanctioned 'must spend attempting themselves.' F.Supp., 325. impossible situation, difficult worse, unless precisely bias agrees outlaw. example, witnesses ignores differences among reads 'ancient canards proper role women.' 545, 498. claimed strict disciplinarians; physically capable protecting subduing unruly inmates; take advantage monthers, father discipline, on.2 Yet led single incident amounting serious breach institution.3 And, event, '(g)uards rarely enter cell blocks dormitories,' 325, attacks greatest. 40 appears factor '(t)he womanhood.' refers woman.' Ibid. short, fundamental will generate sexual assaults. With respect, rationale regrettably perpetuates insidious old myths wittingly seductive objects. decision, sure best intentions, punish provoke pay price lost opportunities depraved inmates. again, pedestal ., closer inspection, revealed cage.' Sail'er Inn, Inc. Kirby, Cal.3d 1, Cal.Rptr. 341, 485 P.2d 529, 541 (1971). particularly ironic cage erected response feared misbehavior imprisoned criminals.4 points support 'likelihood Perhaps 'innate recognition.' Brief 51. emotionally laden context sense used mask "romantic paternalism" persisting attitudes eschews. innate recognition incidence sexually motivated minute compared assault' inevitable limit lawabiding contribute community, swift punitive offenders. Presumably, goals eradication inmates' antisocial behavior patterns able live day society. Sex can begin learning relate socially acceptable manner. deprive threatened criminals turn social priorities upside down.5 43 countenance condoned majority, fortunate carefully before it. trust lower recognize impelled shockingly inhuman 'extremely exception' recognized 334, allowed 'to swallow rule' Expansion beyond erect roadblock economic raise brief merits acted unconstitutionally extending VII's coverage governments. 1972, 86 103, date, Mar. 24, §§ 2000e(a), (b), (f), (h) ed., V). Not having raised us. Adickes Kress 398 144, 147 2, 90 1598, 1602, 142; Irvine California, 347 128, 129, 74 381, 98 561. officers. pertinent provides: '(d) Physical qualifications. shall five inches nor six ten height, pounds certified licensed physician designated satisfactory appointing health fit law-enforcement officer. commission permit variances qualifications prescribed subdivision.' Ala.Code, Tit. 55, 373(109) (Supp. 1973). 2000e-5(f) second named Brenda Mieth, who, others situated, 5$9$ 160-pound trooper Clause. upheld challenge, aspect single-judge claims, coplaintiff's rested 4, supra. Given similarity inappropriate convene complaint. convened enjoins grounds, lies 1253. Locomotive Engineers Chicago, R. I. 382 423, 594, 501; Philbrook Glodgett, 421 707, 1893, 44 525. follows: 'I. GENERAL '1. policy identifying designating institutional Counselor selective certification appointment either employees Personnel Department registers. 'II. POLICY '4. evaluated designate employee. stated 4(2)-2000c Code .. '5. Selective Trainee register requested whenever filled employee only. 'III. PROCEDURE '8. Institutional Wardens Directors request writing Associate Commissioner Administration review, evaluation, submission final '9. contain exact responsibilities utilize following necessary; 'A. That opposite disruption orderly running institution. 'B. contact others. 'C. patroling restrooms, use, frequently, during night. 'D. search regular basis. 'E. armed firearm. '10. approved registers regard 'preclude (women) serving penitentiaries.' 1176. defended Note, Sexual Segregation Prisons, 82 Yale L.J. 1229 official description emphasizes counseling well duties; found: '(C)orrectional persons commonly referred counseling.' 1175. yet classified 204; consequently 'male only' available. Section 703(a) 2000e-2(a) '(a) Employer practices. practice '(1) fail discharge individual, compensation, terms, conditions, privileges individual's race, color, religion, sex, origin; '(2) limit, segregate, tend adversely affect status employee, origin.' 335-336 15, 1854, Affirmatively stated, approximately 99.76% 58.87% From separate males after together overlap 3.63% None parties accuracy computations score, event insignificant gross exclusions. Even revised greatly exceed 34% 12% served invalidate diploma contains waiver provision saves indeed informed provision, never Peace Officers' Standards Training Commission. correctly administered statute's provisions. what perhaps variation validity itself, contend establishment deference private employer-established history 1972 amendments employers Instead, expressly indicated intent principles alike. H.R.Rep.No.92-238, p. S.Rep.No.92-415, Cong. Admin.News 2137. Schaeffer San Diego Cabs, 462 1002 (CA9). Thus public employers, touchstone necessity,' Griggs, 853; safe survive challenge. EEOC Guidelines Employee Selection Procedures, CFR 1607 (1976). Washington Davis, 426 229, 246-247, 96 2040, 2050-2051, 48 597; 280; Officers civil Service 378 (ND Cal.). By terms applies found, 'Regulation administrative (Board Corrections') implemented.' excludes 75% See, e. g., Gillin 479 (CA2); Jurinko Edwin L. Wiegand 477 1038 (CA3); Rosenfeld Pacific 444 1219 (CA9); Bowe Colgate-Palmolive 416 711 (CA7); Meadows Ford Motor 62 F.R.D. (WD Ky.), modified 510 939 (CA6). Jones Metal Products Walker, Ohio St.2d 173, 281 N.E.2d 1; Discrimination Sex, 1604 Interpretative Memorandum Senators Clark Case, 110 Cong.Rec. 7213 (1964). issued guidelines 1965 reflecting interpreted narrowly.' 1604.2(a). adhered principle consistently, weight. 434, 855; McDonald Santa Fe Trail Transportation 427 273, 279-280, 2574, 2577-2578, 49 493. employer, conform suggest, rigorous scrutiny occasion give independent violates 232-236 (CA5); F.2d, 717-718, clerical worker prison, involving student taken hostage visit evidently typical. normal, relatively stable segregation effectively beneficially. Similarly, amicus attests success using penitentiaries. shows, contrast, minimum-security work-release centers, privileged situations lightly jeopardized disobeying applicable rules conduct. Inmates 'cream crop' part: employ instain enterprise ..' 111-112, 117-118, 147, 151-153, 263-264, 290-292, 301-302. summed prejudices testimony: 'Q Would 5$6$, 140 lbs., institution? 'A Well, qualifies otherwise, yes. duties? you opinion? intention female. capabilities, emotions go psychic make-up vs. male. rural woman. superior feeling has, historically, female.' Id., 153. Strikingly sentiments expressed century ago long discredited: 'I prepared (women's) rights admitted position, including demanding responsibilities. (I)n characteristics, destiny, mission woman, province legislature ordain offices, callings discharged receive benefit energies responsibilities, firmness presumed predominate sterner Bradwell Illinois, Wall. 130, 139, 142, (1873) (Bradley, incidents potentially prisons. 335-336, 22. officers; visiting tour. irony multiplied enormous increases 318 (M.D.Ala.1976). perfect continue. improved accordance order, perceives alleviated. privacy. strange hear violating decency suddenly become concerned stranger still nonmaximum-security strive privacy personal freedom severely restricted. doubt professed concern feeble excuse suggested, possible, adequate available, rearrange assignments concerns respected Finally, behave professional manner times, engender reciprocal invaded doctor examines suggestion implicit unlikely side insult professionalism dignity

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