Document: 427 U.S. 273 96 S.Ct. 2574 49 L.Ed.2d 493 L. N. McDONALD and Raymond Laird, Petitioners,v.SANTA FE TRAIL TRANSPORTATION COMPANY et al. No. 75-260. Argued April 20, 1976. Decided June 25, Syllabus Petitioners, both white employees of respondent transportation company, were discharged for misappropriating cargo from one the company's shipments, but a Negro employee, who was also charged with same offense, not discharged. After subsequent grievance proceedings pursuant to collective-bargaining agreement between company union complaints filed Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) secured no relief, petitioners brought an action against respondents, alleging that in discharging petitioners, while retaining had discriminated on basis race, acquiesced this discrimination by failing properly represent proceeding, all violation Title VII Civil Rights Act 1964, which prohibits discharge "any individual" because "such individual's race," 42 U.S.C. § 1981, provides "(a)ll persons . shall have right make enforce contracts as is enjoyed citizens ." The District Court dismissed complaint pleadings, holding, Inter alia, 1981 inapplicable racial whites, facts alleged failed state claim under VII. Appeals affirmed. Held: 1. VII, whose terms are limited members any particular private employment upon standards nonwhites. Pp. 278-285. (a) has been so interpreted EEOC, interpretations entitled great deference, its conclusion accords uncontradicted legislative history. P. 279-280. (b) That petitioners' dismissal based commission criminal offense does preclude them seeking relief McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 792, 93 1785, 36 668. While employer may decide participation theft warrant person employment, criterion must be "applied alike races," or violated. Crime other misconduct legitimate discharge, it discrimination. 281-284. (c) Respondent union, well subject liability since reasons prohibit discriminating race among culpable apply equally regardless whether circumstances, find necessary compromise securing retention some affected employees. Whatever factors such legitimately take into account mitigating discipline employees, included. 284-285. 2. Section nonwhites, supported statute's language, explicitly applies "All persons," phrase "as persons" would seem lend support argument statute protection nonwhite discrimination, history clear addition finally enacted intended eliminate prohibition whites. 285-296. 5 Cir., 513 F.2d 90, reversed remanded. Henry M. Rosenblum, Houston, Tex., petitioners. J. Stanley Pottinger, Washington, D. C., U. S., amicus curiae, special leave Court. C. George Niebank, Jr., Chicago, Ill., Santa Fe Trail Transp. Co. Chris Dixie, Local 988, Intern. Brotherhood Teamsters, etc. Mr. Justice MARSHALL delivered opinion 1 McDonald United States Southern Texas Transportation (Santa Fe) International Teamsters 988 (Local 988), represented Fe's Houston violations 1866, 2000e Et seq., connection their employment. pleadings. Fifth Circuit In determining decisions these courts correct, we decide, first, property black employee similarly dismissed, states Second, " affords 2 * Because case true material complaint. Hospital Bldg. Trustees Rex Hospital, 425 738, 740, 1848, 1850, 48 338 (1976). On September 26, 1970, white, Charles Jackson, Fe, jointly severally 60 one-gallon cans antifreeze part shipment carrying customers. Six days later, fired Jackson retained. A promptly two relief. following April, charging firing them, his interests proceedings, 1964. Agency process proved unavailing however, EEOC notified July 1971 initiate civil district court within 30 days. This suit followed, joining allegations. 3 Respondents moved dismiss complaint, 1974 issued final modified order dismissing claims 1981. Turning first claim, determined wholly persons, want jurisdiction. then concluded jurisdiction over Laird's Laird charge EEOC.1 additionally contended charges it, more than 90 after untimely.2 Apparently relying authority proposition 90-day period filing tolled during pendency however,3 question timely could without hearing allegations they until 3, 1971, termination proceedings.4 But found unnecessary hold hearing, concluded, quite apart timeliness problem, "the raise granted." App. 117. 4 affirmed dismissal, Per curiam, (1975), noting regard asserted: "There allegation plaintiffs falsely charged. Disciplinary offenses constituting crimes involved case." Id., at 90-91. We granted certiorari. 423 923, 264, 46 248 (1975). reverse. II 1964 703(a)(1), 2000e-2(a)(1).5 Its race. Thusalthough there confronted described Griggs Duke Power Co., 401 424, 431, 91 849, 853, 28 158 (1971), prohibiting "(d)iscriminatory preference Any (racial) group, Minority Majority" (emphasis added).6 Similarly 433-434, S.Ct., 854-855, consistently proscribe whites holding proceed otherwise 6 "constitute derogation Commission's Congressional mandate practices operate disadvantage opportunities group protected including Caucasians." Decision 74-31, 7 FEP 1326, 1328, CCH Decisions ¶ 6404, p. 4084 (1973).7 accord effect "cover men women Americans," 110 Cong.Rec. 2578 (1964) (remarks Rep. Celler), create "obligation discriminate whites," 7218 (memorandum Sen. Clark). See 7213 Sens. Clark Case); 8912 Williams). therefore today applicable Negroes white.8 8 contend that, even though generally case, serious employer. think foreclosed our decision 1817, 668 (1973).9 9 Douglas, laid-off took illegal "stall-in" designed block traffic former employer's plant, arrested, convicted, fined obstructing traffic. At later date, applied open position he apparently qualified, turned down application, assertedly employee's activities it. Charging denied re-employment Negro, denied, sued Reviewing certiorari, rejected adequately stated id., 801, 1823. Although agreeing "(n)othing compels absolve rehire engaged deliberate, unlawful activity it," 803, 1825, recognized: 10 "(T)he inquiry end here. not, more, compel rehiring (the employee), neither permit employer) use employee's) conduct pretext sort prohibited Act). remand, employee) afforded fair opportunity show employer's) reason rejection fact pretext. Especially relevant showing evidence acts comparable seriousness 'stall-in' nevertheless retained rehired. (The justifiably refuse unlawful, disruptive only if races." 804, 1825.10 11 indistinguishable Douglas. Fairly read, asserted misappropriation entrusted fellow likewise implicated, disciplined, discrepancy favored white. Conley Gibson, 355 41, 45-46, 78 99, 101-102, 80 (1957).11 render unqualifi "applied, violated if, alleged, not. 12 cannot accept respondents' principles where based, admitted, crime12 directed All exception crime hardly Indeed, plaintiff convicted nontrivial13 It carriage compelling obstruction arteries, diminish illogic guilty color those another color.14 13 stage litigation go substance alleges shirked duty McDonald, instead "acquiesced and/or joined in" him. argues matter law should situation, this, ultimately joint misconduct, representing relations employer, necessarily some. reject argument. union; whatever mechanisms ployees, them. 14 Thus, conclude erred petitioner McDonald's 988. III 15 pertinent part: every State Territory citizens. ."15 previously held, question, federal remedy respondents do otherwise. Johnson Railway Express Agency, 421 454, 459-460, 95 1716, 1719-1720, 44 295 Runyon McCrary, 160, 168, 2586, 2593, 415; Jones Alfred H. Mayer 392 409, 88 2186, 20 1189 (1968). here nonwhites.16 16 below elaborated applying suggest lines judgment. First, argue operation citizens," unambiguously limits itself reading consistent provision, derives operative language Apr. 9, c. 31, 1, Stat. 27. supra, U.S., 168-170, n. 8, 2593; Tillman Wheaton-Haven Recreation Assn., 410 439, 1090, 1094, 35 403 (1973). 1866 statute, assert, concerned predominantly assuring specified rights slaves freed virtue Thirteenth Amendment, protecting corresponding persons. 17 persuasive. Rather, examination convinces us 18 view exclude application contrary, added), See, E. g., Wong Kim Ark, 169 649, 675-676, 456, 467-468, L.Ed. 890 (1898). mechanical citizens" simply emphasizing character being protected," Georgia Rachel, 384 780, 791, 86 1783, 1789, 925 (1966). event, ambiguity see cases cited Supra 286 16, clarified 1981's originally forged 1866. Tidewater Oil States, 409 151, 157, 408, 412, 34 375 (1972); Immigration Service Errico, 385 214, 218, 87 473, 476, 318 now turn. 19 bill introduced Senator Trumbull Illinois "bill protect initially him "every color." Cong.Globe, 39th Cong., 1st Sess., 211 (1866) (hereinafter Cong.Globe). Consistent views draftsman,17 prevailing Congress reach powers enforcement section Amendment,18 theaking provided: "(T)here immunities inhabitants color, previous condition slavery; slavery involuntary servitude, contracts, sue, parties, give evidence, inherit, purchase, lease, sell, hold, convey real personal property, full equal benefit laws security like punishment, pains, penalties, none other, law, ordinance, regulation, custom, contrary notwithstanding." 211.19 21 is, course, immediate impetus necessity further constitutionally emancipated slaves, general discussion scope did circumscribe broad goal. routinely viewed, opponents supporters alike, nonwhites.20 point most directly focused closing debate Senate. During debate, response Davis Kentucky providing punishment section, 2, extended never said: 22 "Sir, men. declares rights, fruit own labor, buy enjoy liberty happiness; abominable iniquitous unconstitutional! Could anything monstrous member Senate rise place denounce epithets bill, object secure country. protects man just much man? With what consistency face can say country exclusively when distinction very break men?" 599 supplied). 23 So advised, passed shortly thereafter. 606-607. 24 clear, thus, Senate, Accordingly, pitch largely House's amendment add phrase. statutory eliminating 25 Representative Wilson Iowa, Chairman Judiciary Committee bill's floor manager House, proposed quoted immediately introduction bill. change offered technically "perfect" accepted objection debate. 1115. 26 Wilson's viewed technical adjustment substantive corroborated structure stood. Even amended still provided "there slavery."21 To read excluding particularly enumerated guarantees contradict language; unwilling conclude, adopting discussion, House regarded it.22 27 Moreover, initial elaboration meaning Trumbull's followed passage foregoing amendment, fortifies As purpose measure provide "for equality enjoyment 'civil immunities.' 1117. Then, speaking "immunities" 'freedom exemption obligation,' made "secures exemptions law. alike. One respect another," ibid.23 Finally, dialogue fect Act's stated, offering amendment) this: thought unless qualifying words incorporated might citizens, male female, majors minors." 157. "to emphasize limit persons.24 version bill25 emphasizes limiting Trumbull, managing asked inconsistency "citizens color" statement supplied) suggested emphasized super fluous. Cong.Globe 1413. responded merely "superfluous. I alter [A]nd [Senate Judiciary] [C]ommittee examined committee proper recommend concurrence Ibid. 29 Senate's acquiescence 1413-1416, veto President Johnson,26 again reflected proponents' favor once "discriminates colored 1758, similar vein, Lawrence observed "broad comprehensive philanthropy regards before will, become(s) citizen 1833. notes, Houses prescribed margins, overridden. 1802, 1861. cumulative congressional intent makes think, "same contracts" understood reduced solely meant, terms, making against, of, Unlikely appeared encounter substantial proscribed Act, persuade establishing broader principle meet plight newly slaves. And beenomewhat streamlined re-enactment codification, indication less regarding 415. ground protections provision unavailable 31 judgment reversed, remanded opinion. 32 ordered. 33 WHITE REHNQUIST join Parts Court's opinion, WHITE's dissenting 192, 2604, 415, Part agree case. extent dissent. 706(e) 2000e-5(e), amended, 2000e-5(f)(1) (1970 ed., Supp. IV). issue presented review certiorari Sections 706(a) (d) "(a) Whenever writing oath claiming aggrieved, agency, labor organization practice, furnish copy investigation charge. If determine, investigation, reasonable cause believe true, endeavor practice informal methods conference, conciliation, persuasion. "(d) subsection ninety occurred. Amendments 706 4(a) 1972, 104, 2000e-5 IV), Hutchings Industries, Inc., 428 303 (1970); Culpepper Reynolds Metals 888 (1970). October assuming time, untimely. 703 2000e-2, Employer practices. fail hire individual, individual compensation, conditions, privileges religion, sex, national origin. "(c) Labor attempt section." Our 802, 1824, 596 (1973), means litigant out prima facie contrary. There said complainant establish showing: "(i) belongs minority; (ii) qualified job applicants; (iii) despite qualifications, rejected; (iv) rejection, remained continued seek applicants complainant's qualifications." (Footnote omitted.) noted, "specification proof required differing factual situations." 802 13. Requirement (i) sample pattern set demonstrate how established common limitation VII's 75-268, 1502, P 6452 (1975); 74-106, 269, 6427 (1974); 74-95, 701, 6432 (1974). None Courts appears question. compare, Parks Brennan, 389 F.Supp. 790 (ND Ga.1974), rev'd grounds Sub nom. Dunlop, 517 785 (CA5 1975), Haber Klassen, 1446 Ohio 1975); Mele Dept. Justice, D.C., 395 592 Neither opinions articulated stance issue. Since below, Judge held Spiess Itoh & (America), 408 916, 918 929 (SD Tex.1976). concedes difference rather way around. Brief 7. conceding "across-the-board minorities condoned VII," contends isolated reasonably burden class unduly," here, "may acceptable." omitted). agree. cases; "Title tolerates No subtle otherwise." 1824 added). disclaims actions challenged affirmative program, 5, consider permissibility judicially prompted. Cf. Amicus Curiae 5. Both Court, 117, Appeals, F.2d, specifically relied failure allege false. Petitioners assert construed deny culpability, 18-19, 37, discussed text, need read. term "pretext" context mean, event deficiencies; sentence shown "but for" cause. Albemarle Paper Moody, 422 405, 425, 2362, 2375, 45 280 plead "particularity" degree similarity culpability involvement coemployee, Jackson. assertion, too narrowly constricts role Significantly, themselves declined dissimilarities amend pleadings interim indicated sufficient legal problem dissimilar "equally guilty" different races. 94. Of precise equivalence ultimate question: "employees Comparable adequate inferential reliance terminating 1825 asserts misappropriations amount felony Tex. Penal Code Ann. 31.03 (1974), 659. assume assertion true. : "The trial judge noted injury damage resulted due 'solely officials obtained notice advance plaintiff's demonstration scene remove car highway.' Green Corp., 846, 851." 803 1825. 988's NLRB Fansteel Metallurgical 306 240, 59 490, 83 627 (1939), misplaced. violate National Relations lawfully number sit-down strike, extend some, all, "was exercising normal select employees." 259, 498. suggestion legally activities, Fansteel, however. American Ship NLRB, 380 300, 312, 85 955, 964, 855 (1965). full: taxes, licenses, exactions kind, other." lower divided applicability holdings include Balc Steelworkers, EPD 8948 (WD Pa.1973); Ripp Dobbs Houses, 366 205 Ala.1973); Perkins Banster, 190 98 (D.C.Md.1960). conflict Carter Gallagher, 452 315, 325 (CA8 1971); Hollander Sears, Roebuck (D.C.Conn.1975); WRMA Broadcasting Inc. Hawthorne, 365 577 (MD Gannon Action, 1240, 1244-1245 (ED Mo.1969), aff'd grounds, 450 1227 Central Presbyterian Church Black Liberation Front, 894, 901 Mo.1969). note changed 916 474: "I deprives unjust encroachment liberty; fact, badge servitude which, Constitution, prohibited." (Emphasis added.) generally, Buchanan, Quest Freedom: Legal History Hous.L.Rev. Bickel, Original Understanding Segregation Decision, 69 Harv.L.Rev. 11-29 (1955). ratified authorized Enforcement Clause Amendment legislate individual." Hodges 203 16-17, 6, 8-9, 51 65 (1906); 441 78, 2204, concern nonwhites expressed 4, referred, introduced, 211, enacted, 28, "protection constitutional evolution provide, beginning 1: "That African descent born hereby declared 474. principle, replace "all States" foreign power, Indians taxed," superseded Fourteenth Amendment. design individuals races 1870, ratification 436, 2201. 504 Howard, supporter: "(The bill) gives colors rights"); 505 Johnson, opponent: included "); 601 Hendricks, provides, place, men, equal)." references placing Negroes' whites' "upon precisely footing," 604 Cowan, opponent), remarks either well. unable, summon consideration Contradict plain explicit statements others, comprehend antiwhite "perfecting" amendments, "(A)ll taxed, except whereof party duly parties S. 61, Print, Mar. forbidding "discrimination slavery" struck House. 1366. affect analysis reasons. debates omission, breadth "civil immunities," beyond second half antagonism 791-792, 1789-1790, (1966); Supra, 18, 11-29. Second acceptance interpretation Congressman inconsistent time removed ambiguities week later. urged pass highest lowest, whitest blackest, fundamental belong men." 1118. echoed Shallabarger: "Its whole require each matters confer equality. Your deprive sue contract testify, children doing same. you so, treat likewise. secures deem 1293. 1159 Windom); cf. 1118 Wilson). suggests 27, "Any inhabitant penalties deemed misdemeanor, and, conviction, punished fine imprisonment. source explains meaning. recited above, prescriptive portion provided, 288, Infra, currently codified, punishments different, criminalizes "Different Punishment, penalties" greater lesser to. significance slight; explained sanctions Act. 424-425, 2195-2196. 1367. stood, States; right, message, recognized attempted fix "a perfect 1679.

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