Document: 447 U.S. 807 100 S.Ct. 2486 65 L.Ed.2d 532 MOHASCO CORPORATION, Petitioner,v.Ralph H. SILVER. No. 79-616. Argued March 25, 1980. Decided June 23, Syllabus Section 706(c) of the Civil Rights Act 1964 (Act) provides that in case an alleged unlawful employment practice occurring a State having law prohibiting such practices no charge may be "filed" with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) before expiration 60 days after proceedings have been commenced appropriate state agency unless earlier terminated. 706(e) requires within 300 occurred or 30 aggrieved person receives notice has terminated its proceedings, whichever is earlier. Petitioner employer discharged respondent employee on August 29, 1975. On 15, 1976—291 later—the EEOC received letter from claiming petitioner had discriminated against him because his religion, and this was promptly referred to New York agency, which due course determined there merit charge. Meanwhile, 20, 1976—more than respondent's submitted 357 discharge—the notified filed discrimination About year later, 24, 1977, issued determination reasonable cause believe true he statutory right file private action. Respondent then action 91 later Federal District Court. Granting summary judgment for petitioner, Court held § precluded any filing until date 1976, 51 beyond 706(e)'s 300-day time limit so-called "deferral States," not timely filed. The Appeals reversed, holding Court's literal reading did give sufficient weight Act's overriding purpose insuring redressed, it necessary conclude purposes when received, as required by deferral period ends, therefore but during 60-day 706(c). Held: A §§ (e) so word same meaning both subsections gives full effect several policies reflected Act. Under reading, filed, 351st day (60 earliest upon could allow filed), applicable limitations run. Pp. 815-826. (a) legislative history entirely consistent wording itself, being nothing indicate complainants some States were allowed proceed less diligence those other advantage over nondeferral respect charges. 818-824. (b) statute unfair victims who often without assistance counsel. P. 825. (c) There argument based EEOC's interpretation, since agency's interpretation cannot supersede language chosen Congress. (d) Nor allowing treat 291st interpreting 706(c)'s prohibition merely requiring postpone at least days, would adequately effectuate policy deferring agencies. Congress clearly intended encourage prompt processing all To accept position add schedule mandated unreasonably two different meanings section 825-826. 2 Cir., 602 F.2d 1083, reversed. Thomas Mead Santoro, Albany, N. Y., petitioner. Judith Vladeck, City, respondent. Edwin S. Kneedler, Washington, D.C., United States, et al., amici curiae, special leave Mr. Justice STEVENS delivered opinion 1 question Title VII whether (c)1 (e)2 706 1964, 78 Stat. 260, amended 1972, 86 104-105, 42 U.S.C. 2000e-5(c) (e). former subsection prohibits federal fair opportunity consider it. latter events must occurrence. We hold statute. 1975, Mohasco Corp. senior marketing economist.3 asserting religion. Division Human Rights. That reviewed matter4 and, course, charge.5 3 1976—a more discrimination.6 4 "there true,"7 formally if wished pursue matter further, district court 90 days.8 litigation later9 Northern York.10 5 granted Mohasco's motion ground failure deprived subject-matter jurisdiction. concluded 1976 (the day), treated EEOC, their own agencies—and State—"no . sixty under local law, ." Since prior terminate read precluding 1976.11 Because 6 refused apply regulation12 complained also period.13 regulation contrary plain statute, event, followed itself case.14 7 Over dissent Judge Meskill, Second Circuit 1083 (1979). It recognized literally, In majority's view, order faithful "the strong redressed," id., 1087, "to 'filed' ends." Ibid. By giving meanings, 706(e),15 8 Meskill believed only basic purpose, warranted additional "requir[ing] part plaintiffs." F.2d, 1092. He noted imposed general requirement 180 exceptional charging party invoke remedy jeopardizing rights; exception residents generally required. 9 conflict among Courts proper statute,16 we certiorari. 444 990, 519, 62 418.17 now reverse. 10 first review relevant language; next examine 1972 amendments evidence meaning; finally arguments favor 11 * begins rule "charge shall one hundred eighty occurred. ."18 291 occurrence, plainly exercise rule. Nor, explain, to; should pointed out sent either difficulty complying terms States. 12 allows initially instituted WITH AUTHORITY TO GRANT OR SEEK RELIEF FROM SUCH PRACTICE .".19 When yet proceedings. argued bring himself 180-day requirement. But Love v. Pullman Co., 404 522, 525, 92 616, 618, 679, "[n]othing suggests initiated acting behalf complainant rather Here, immediately forwarded 1976. Accordingly, date. ended passed, "initially agency" official institution EEOC. Therefore, came 13 states "such three occurred, thirty receiving well period, see n. 5, supra, question, then, 706. 14 answer supplied (c), imposes cases arising States: "no [(b)] Thus, terms, prohibited received. Although, "complaint 'suspended animation,' automatically termination proceedings,"20 U.S., 526, S.Ct., 618 (emphasis added), means day, 291st. time, however, run untimely. II 15 contrast straightforward urges us better Congress' underlying VII. Essentially, permitting filings up discriminatory occurrence—regardless period—would help further eliminating practices. turn history, doing emphasize words are ambiguous. does them lead "absurd futile results," American Trucking Assns., Inc., 310 534, 543, 1059, 1063, 84 L.Ed. 1345. For inevitably arbitrary extent; issue here short21 plaintiff's effectively denied practical hearing.22 16 unquestionably enacted implement congressional practices,23 inform construction remedial legislation. recognized, light tempestuous produced Act, ultimate product reflects other, perhaps countervailing, Members sought achieve. present result compromise. our task enacted. See Toussie 397 112, 123-124, 858, 865, 25 156.24 17 typical provision numerous proposed civil rights bills new six months conduct.25 These initial proposals provide mandatory comparable administrative proceedings,26 though authorized enter agreements cooperation agencies, refrain charges specified cases.27 18 February 10, House Representatives passed H.R. 7152, version comprehensive bill contained 6-month directed into agencies providing suspension enforcement.28 Senate, 7152 met exceptionally opposition. principal opposition focused details bill, fundamental purpose. During longest filibusters bipartisan leadership Senate carefully forged compromise substitute (Dirksen compromise) ultimately become substantial 1964. attract support achieve two-thirds vote cloture.29 This effort successful. Fifteen Dirksen offered amendment, cloture carried votes.30 19 706(d)31 provided 90-day claims adopted figure appeared appearance unaccompanied explanation. 706(b) introduced concept filed"—language figures prominently case. 706(d) extended 210 days. 20 explain why limitation half House, can speculate. seems clear represented most genuine asserted costs associated defending stale dormant outweigh interest guaranteeing every victim discrimination. others sacrifice increase role localities resolving discrimination.32 And 706(d)'s longer included prevent forfeiture complainant's while participating proceedings.33 21 neither nor anything else contains "suggestion states." Moore Sunbeam Corp., 459 811, 825, 35 (CA7 1972). identifies reason treating workers differently redress evil legislation aimed, avoid intervention need demonstrated.34 plan designed worker option choosing between remedy, indeed simply obtain relief. Had plan, simple prescribing 210-day served Instead, chose prohibit completed sooner. 22 sure, old, gave still ensure preservation rights. words, 150th 210th end 90th able ignore they failed early enough expire period. 23 sum, itself. B 24 changing correspondingly maximum days.35 amendment make change procedural scheme, although rejected. As Representatives, deleted 706(b)'s substituted taking prescribed elapsed.36 aspect made, passage.37 period.38 conference, prevailed understanding interpreted controlling.39 already noted, fully supported opinion.40 26 section-by-section analysis Senator Williams refers recent decision Tenth Vigil Tel. & 455 1222 (1972), 16, approval, supports do find isolated reference—which inserted completion work Committee Committee, Report joint conference just to41—to represent sound enactment42 conscious intention existing law. point appears refutes notion precise issue, much approach case.43 extent expressly rejected exact urges. III 27 Finally points advanced position: (1) counsel; (2) charged responsibility enforcements (3) 28 unfairness assumption lay assume complaint agency. argument. apt regard obligation standard satisfy, entire understand mean exactly what says. 29 reject suggestion adopt regulations inconsistent mandate. occasions, "interpretation" Congress.44 Finally, timeliness requirements reasons unacceptable. 31 obviously quite short deadlines, discrimination.45 duty commence investigation occurrence; 706(c), might arise 360 Perhaps addition another delay seriously overburdened critical importance. scheme series deadlines measured numbers days—rather years—we interject scheme. embodied place alter balance struck statutes favoring side matters construction. 32 end, Even interests justice particular bifurcated word, long run, experience teaches strict adherence legislature best guarantee evenhanded administration 33 34 So ordered. BLACKMUN, whom BRENNAN MARSHALL join, dissenting. 36 viewed "one occasionally area where important decided (in dispel .) correctly." Oscar Mayer Co. Evans, 441 750, 766, 99 2066, 2077, 609 (1979) (concurring opinion). But, I concur reaches today. set below, correct construction, decisional conflict, ante, 814-815, acceptable fashion. affirm that, State, "filed occurred." 706(e), 2000e-5(e). 37 finds interplay VII, (e), "rather statute." Ante, 818. finding cast doubt considers language, structure, Moreover, leaves room whatsoever perception intent erroneous. 38 adopts today residing 240 allegedly act, certain timely. Yet numeral "240" nowhere bit odd Congress, enacting "a laymen, unassisted trained lawyers initiate process," 527, 619, 679 (1972); 816, 19, create locate single provision. One commentator observed: 39 "A require refer Code life. An intelligent, easily claim penalized Congressional ambiguity, possess ability interpretation. level skill 'hidden' 240-day advocated Silver." Comment, 55 Notre Dame Law. 396, 410 (1980). 40 Of stated "[o]ur compass reach perceive 'sensible result,' " Bifulco 381, 401, 2247, 2259, 205 opinion); yet, alternative plausible, close eyes alternatives through strong-armed invocation plain-meaning exist, alternative. 41 standing alone, stating wishes institute ends process agency." 1088 supplied). dual seem strained blush, court's structure Reading things avoids determine reference separate provisions. Appeals' way detracts subsection—to resolve employee's dispute employer. 821. Given these considerations, am willing hand. Furthermore, examination VII's leads me espouse. examining note administering always CFR 1601.12(b)(1)(v)(A) (1977); 1601.13(a) Aside fact 'entitled great deference,' 761, 2074, quoting Griggs Duke Power 401 424, 434, 849, 855, 158 (1971) approved re-enacted forerunners 1972. circumstances, bound interpretation.1 43 1971, pertinent Committees reported amend filed" take charge" expired. S.Rep. 92-415, p. 56 (1971); H.R.Rep. 92-238, (1971), U.S.Code Cong. Admin.News 1978, 2137.2 enacted, questioned. generated controversy debates House. completely unrelated presented here, made Legislative History (Committee Print compiled Labor Public Welfare Subcommittee Labor), pp. 326-332 (1972).3 hand, retained Welfare's forerunner 118 Cong.Rec. 4945 History, 1781. 44 Conference bill's explanation failing here. stated: 45 "The provisions defer equal receded re-state conferees left intact [Co., 404] [522, (1972)] receive (but act it) controlling." S.Conf.Rep. 92-681, H.R.Conf.Rep. 92-899, (1972) 46 addition, prepared Senators Javits, Houses along Report, following 706(c): 47 "No deemed view Supreme procedures compliance begin lapse even 706(a) Similarly, circuit AT&T, [455] [1222] (10th Cir. 1972), protect person's periods sections (d), Act." 7167 (Senate); 7564 (House) supplied).4 48 face indicia intent, blithely "our opinion." 823. setting aside questionable dismissal Williams-Javits analysis, 4, errs inquiry actually Love, think, writing weeks thought held. passage, quoted above, makes import totally unnecessary. thus permitted continue considered "controlling." 49 concludes "expressly urges." 824. demonstrates expectation provisions, re-enacted, mandate accepted ignores avowed past opinions recognizing "[w]hen re-enacts voices approval thereof, thereby." Sheffield Board Comm'rs, 435 110, 134, 98 965, 981, 148 (1978); Albemarle Paper Moody, 422 405, 414, 8, 95 2362, 2370, 280 (1975) (construing VII). 50 Despite obvious amendments, tempted go creates creating fixed settled procedure complaint. practicality ease administration, sadly wanting. Contemplate moment plight officer explaining prospective Nation's States.5 informs fired job nine ago, discharge motivated racial wants know rule, will concerned equivocal "maybe." reply (paraphrasing Court, 822): "It depends you your days." hypothetical files 270 discharge, immediately, terminates (perhaps backlog or, ironically, merit), 330 elapsed, unable federally protected 52 foregoing example serves complexity complex bringing attention (a text statute), 300, await developments.6 "wait see" context vindicate workers' free invidious workplace. future complications courts disentangle. 53 wonders anticipated problems indeterminancy "240-day maybe" announces. Will seek artificially speedy terminations preserve rights? employers oppose proceedings? terminating whenever needs remedies? unanswered questions reading" despite conclusion contrary. possible pose, concern enact. Part I, intend enact judging 54 remains restrike balance," 826, adoption alters useful end. "In political subdivision establishing authorizing authority grant relief criminal thereto terminated, sixty-day twenty effective If commencement written signed statement facts proceeding based, registered mail authority." 104. (including date, circumstances practice) ten thereafter, except earlier, copy 105. According complaint, holds master's degree economics Columbia University. Record Item 1, 3. "[t]he year. N.Y.Exec.Law 297(5) (McKinney Supp.1977)." App. Pet. Cert. A14. probable engaged conduct described 9, 1977. upheld Appeal December 22, printed form advised name party, violation, nature basis "[b]ecause Commission's volume pending work, tell .." 18. infer overcome enormous documented 1971. H.R.Rep.No.92-238, 64 124 (hereinafter Leg.Hist.); S.Rep.No.92-415, Leg.Hist. 432, 2137; Occidental Life Ins. 432 355, 369, 97 2447, 2456, 402. A49. 19. assert defense. pro se prayed injunction continuing practices, compensatory damages executives jointly severally sum $100,000, punitive $1 million each individual defendant $100,000. dismissed defendants named original validity us. forwarding "at Rights." A15 original). deem (1977) states: document violation Agency, deferred pursuant forth above: Provided, 300th Where discrimination, notification termination, making termination." current substantially found 1601.13(a), (d)(2)(iii) supra. A15. 11, expired Seventh 811 (1972). Anderson Methodist Evangelical Hospital, 464 723 (CA6 cited Eighth Circuit, Olson Rembrandt Printing 511 1228 (1975), conflicts case, differs Moore. Geromette General Motors 1200 1979) (citing signalling retreat Anderson's endorsement ); Rodriguez Southern Pacific Transp. 587 980 (CA9 1978). Cf. Ciccone Textron 616 1216 (CA1 1980) (substantially similar Age Discrimination 621-634). indicated infra, restrictive exemplified Olson, decision, today, old insure preserved. of), nonetheless preserved happens complete consideration sure preserved, 120 2000e-5(c), allegations blacklisting continued allegation fairly comprised unanimously reversed point, remanded ruling limited certiorari discussed today's opinion. 2, construed Although announced beginning Congressman's section, 1863 (remarks Rep. Dent), express specific portion relates Further, contemporaneous indications which, authoritative, contradict Representative Dent's views. nn. 41-43, infra. Doski M. Goldseker 539 1326, 1330-1332 (CA4 1976) (rejecting reliance Dent). seen fit include, 402, dealing process." 679. approach, urged amici, compelled language. "[i]t wrong, circumstance, abeyance given chance act." 6, 6. Compare complaints National Relations Management 160(b). confronted claimed plaintiff reasonably unaware existence Kubrick, 111, 352, 259 (medical malpractice action). See, e. g., S.Rep.No.867, 88th Cong., 2d Sess., (1964) Report). Hodgson Lodge 851, Int'l Assn. Machinists Aerospace Workers, 454 545, 562 1971) (Stevens, J., dissenting). Hearings Miscellaneous Proposals Regarding Persons Jurisdiction Judiciary 1st 97, 188, 899, 2294 (1963) 1963 Hearings). Others 1-year 50, recommended 2-year 13. Hearings, 9-10, 50. Id., 2296; 16. 110 2511-2512, 12598 (1964). 12593-12594 Sen. Clark). 11926, 13327. added Subsections changes became version. 11937 Humphrey); 8193, 13087 Dirksen): "[W]ith enforcement title, undertook keep primary, exclusive jurisdiction hands commissions let level." 12819. At resolution complaints. California, FEPC [FEPC] disposed average about my [Illinois] approximately 104-105. H.R.1746, 92d Sess. (Jan. 4. 326. S.2515, (Feb. 21, 1971), S.Rep.No.92-681, 1815: restate (Emphasis added.) dated 39, 758, 2071, 609, argument: "Respondent argues accompanied 1978 ADEA amendments[, case,] 14(b). suggested resort remedies optional S.Rep.No.95-493, 6-7 (1978), Joint Explanatory Statement Conference, H.R.Conf.Rep.No.95-950, 7, 504. "We persuaded. 95-493 years 1967, '[l]egislative observations sense history.' Airlines, Inc. McMann, 434 192, 200, 444, 449, 402 (1977). 'It [the section] controls.' Teamsters 431 324, 354, 1843, 1864, 396 Whatever insufficient convincing 14(b) ADEA, claimants mandatory, optional." (Footnotes omitted.) Consumer Product Safety Comm'n GTE Sylvania, 102, 116-120, 2051, 2060-2062, 766. Indeed Congressman Dent adopted. remarks Electric Gilbert, 429 125, 140-142, 410-411, 343. 433. significant "adopts," 814, passage reenactment 830 (order petition rehearing). re-enactment requirements, Today, goes step re-enactment. explained terms: delete phrase 'no filed' [a deferral] locality. somewhat ambiguous respecting clarifies elapsed." (1971). absolutely reports implication, 822-823, desirability effecting purposefully Education Labor. fails credit authoritative 706, primarily recognize Committee's constitute enactment." primary relevance compilation use (cited throughout opinion), endorse detailed sponsors leaders." xv, Dent, ante. purport speak views managers amendments. 7569 regulations, 1601.74(a) (1979), lists statewide Columbia, Commonwealth Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, number municipalities counties. asserts prejudiced unfairly satisfy." myopic, best.

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