Legal Document

408 U.S. 564 92 Supreme Court Reporter 2701 33 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 548 The BOARD OF REGENTS STATE COLLEGES et al., Petitioners,v.David Federal KF105 F3 ROTH, etc. Number 71—162. Argued Jan. 18, 1972. Decided June 29, Syllabus Respondent, hired for a fixed term of one academic year to teach at state university, was informed without explanation that he would not be rehired the ensuing year. A statute provided all university teachers employed initially on probation and only after four years' continuous service achieve permanent employment 'during efficiency good behavior,' with procedural protection against separation. University rules gave nontenured teacher 'dismissed' before end some opportunity review 'dismissal,' but no reason need given nonretention teacher, standards were specified reemployment. Respondent brought this action claiming deprivation his Fourteenth Amendment rights, alleging infringement (1) free speech right because true criticism administration, (2) due process university's failure advise him its decision. District granted summary judgment respondent issue. Appeals affirmed. Held: does require hearing prior nonrenewal teacher's contract, unless can show deprived an interest in 'liberty' or had 'property' continued employment, despite lack tenure formal contract. Here respondent, absent any charges stigma disability foreclosing other is tantamount 'liberty,' terms respondent's accorded protected by process. courts below therefore erred granting Pp. 569—579. 446 Reporter, 2nd 806, reversed remanded. Charles Atlantic Bleck, Asst. Atty. Gen., Madison, Wis., petitioners. Steven Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Steinglass, Milwaukee, respondent. [Amicus Curiae Information from page 565 intentionally omitted] Mr. Justice STEWART delivered opinion Court. 1 In 1968 David Roth, first teaching job as assistant professor political science Wisconsin State University-Oshkosh. He notice faculty appointment begin September 1, 1968, 30, 1969.1 completed term. But next 2 rights employment. Under statutory law acquire 'permanent' employee years year-to-year Having acquired tenure, entitled behavior.' relatively new however, under nothing beyond one-year appointment.2 There are administrative defining eligibility re-employment. thus clearly leaves decision whether rehire another unfettered discretion officials. 3 afforded separated corresponds security. As matter law, tenured cannot 'discharged except cause upon written charges' pursuant certain procedures.3 similarly, extent during Rules promulgated Board Regents provide may have 'dismissal.' real who simply re-employed must February 'concerning retention non-retention year.' 'no given. No appeal such case.'4 4 conformance these Rules, President University-Oshkosh 1969, 1969—1970 challenge it sort hearing. 5 then infringed rights. attacked both substance procedure. First, alleged punish statements critical violated freedom speech.5 Second, officials give law. 6 issue, ordering reasons 310 F.Supp. 972. Appeals, judge dissenting, affirmed partial judgment. 806. We certiorari. 404 909, 227, 30 181. question presented us stage case constitutional statement University's year.6 hold did not. 7 * requirements apply interests encompassed Amendment's liberty property. When implicated, kind paramount.7 range infinite.' 8 decided guarantees assessing balancing weights particular involved. It concluded re-employment outweighed denying summarily. F.Supp., 977—979. Undeniably, prospects major concern him—concern we surely say insignificant. And weighing has long been part determination form required situations process.8 But, determine place, look 'weight' nature stake. See Morrissey versus Brewer, 471, 481, 2593, 2600, 484. see if within 9 'Liberty' broad majestic terms. They among '(g)reat (constitutional) concepts . purposely left gather meaning experience. (T)hey relate whole domain social economic fact, statesmen founded Nation knew too well stagnant society remains unchanged.' National Mutual insurance company Tidewater Transfer Co., 337 582, 646, 69 1173, 1195, 93 L.Ed. 1556 (Frankfurter, J., dissenting). For reason, fully finally rejected wooden distinction between 'rights' 'privileges' once seemed govern applicability rights.9 also made clear property extend actual ownership estate, chattels, money.10 By same token, deprivations constraints imposed criminal process.11 10 Yet, while eschewed rigid formalistic limitations process, time observed boundaries. words Due Process Clause meaning. II 11 'While court attempted define exactness guaranteed (by Amendment), received much consideration included things definitely stated. Without doubt, denotes merely bodily restraint individual engage common occupations life, useful knowledge, marry, establish home bring up children, worship God according dictates own conscience, generally enjoy those privileges recognized essential orderly pursuit happiness men.' Meyer Nebraska, 262 390, 399, 43 625, 626, 67 1042. Constitution people, there doubt indeed. See, e.g., Bolling Sharpe, 347 497, 499—500, 74 693, 694, 98 884; Stanley Illinois, 405 645, 1208, 31 551. 12 might cases which refused re-employ person circumstances implicated. case. 13 State, declining make charge seriously damage standing associations community. base contract charge, example, guilty dishonesty, immorality. Had done so, different '(w)here person's name, reputation, honor, integrity stake what government doing him, heard essential.' Constantineau, 400 433, 437, 91 507, 510, 27 515; Wieman Updegraff, 344 183, 191, 73 215, 219, 97 216; Joint Anti- Fascist Refugee Committee McGrath, 341 123, 71 624, 95 817; Lovett, 328 303, 316—317, 66 1073, 1079, 90 1252; Peters Hobby, 349 331, 352, 75 790, 801, 99 1129 (Douglas, concurring). Cafeteria & Restaurant Workers MeElroy, 367 886, 898, 81 1743, 1750, 1230. case, accord refute officials.12 present suggestion whatever 'good integrity' 14 Similarly, foreclosed take advantage opportunities. invoke regulations bar public universities. this, again, '(t)o future certainly small injury ..' Anti-Fascist supra, 185, 655 (Jackson, Truax Raich, 239 33, 41, 36 7, 10, 60 131. held, regulating type professional foreclose opportunities 'in manner contravene(s) Process,' Schware Bar Examiners, 353 232, 238, 77 752, 756, 796, and, specifically, denies full Willner Character, 373 96, 103, 83 1175, 1180, 224. McElroy, 1750. principle come into play.13 15 To sure, based exercise speech. allegation now us. stayed proceedings yet prove was, activities.14 16 Hence, record us, appears university. stretches concept far suggest when seek another. 895—896, 1748 1749, III 17 safeguard security already specific benefits. These interests—property interests—may many forms. 18 Thus, held receiving welfare benefits them receipt safeguarded Goldberg Kelly, 397 254, 1011, 25 287.15 Flemming Nestor, 363 603, 611, 80 1367, 1373, 1435. area college dismissed office provisions, Slochower Education, 350 551, 76 637, 100 692, professors staff members their contracts, 216, Only last year, 'proscribing dismissal inquiry process' applied recently nonetheless implied promise Connell Higginbotham, 403 207, 208, 1772, 1773, 29 418. 19 Certain attributes emerge decisions. benefit, more than abstract desire it. unilateral expectation must, instead, legitimate claim entitlement purpose ancient institution protect claims people rely daily lives, reliance arbitrarily undermined. vendicate claims. 20 Property interests, course, created Constitution. Rather they dimensions defined existing understandings stem independent source law—rules secure support recipients payments grounded them. shown were, eligibility. attempt do so. 21 Just recipients' terms, so appointment. Those secured 1969. important fact specifically terminate 30. renewal 'sufficient cause.' Indeed, provision whatsoever. 22 absolutely supported possible Nor, significantly, rule policy it.16 circumstances, being rehired, sufficient authorities declined renew IV 23 Our analysis way indicates view would, not, appropriate wise colleges universities.17 apply. role confined interpretation 24 conclude should granted, since Amendment. accordingly, remanded further consistent opinion. ordered. Reversed POWELL took 26 DOUGLAS, dissenting. like Sindermann companion unlike Sindermann, where 1968—1969 Assistant Professor Political Science International Studies. Though Roth rated excellent publicly criticized administration suspending entire group 94 black students determining guilt. regime authoritarian autocratic. used classroom discuss about episode; day, instead meeting class, went Regents. 28 started 42 Code KF62 § 19831 school retaliation expression Court, partially Roth's motion judgment, whose contracts renewed action. 972, 983. Will Herberg, Drew University, writing 'academic freedom' said: '(I)t sometimes conceived basic First 'But, Whereas man's speak out protected, imaginable human remain member faculty. Clearly, one, value minds verged constitutional.' 32 Washington Sunday Star, 23, 1972, B-3, col. 1. private schools Prof. Herberg's correct move members. Amendment, applicable protects comes press related freedoms Amendment; stated Sindermann. 34 direct assault imagined allowed discharge her philosophical, political, ideological beliefs. schools, through device financing umbilical cords become instrumentalities State. Frankfurther theory Sweezy New Hampshire, 354 234, 261—262, 1203, 1217, 1311 (concurring result): 35 'Progress natural sciences remotely findings laboratory. Insights mysteries born hypothesis speculation. understanding groping endeavors called sciences, man society. problems respective preoccupations anthropology, economics, psychology, sociology areas scholarship departmentalized dealing, manageable division analysis, interpenetrating aspects holistic perplexities. society's good—if society—inquires problems, speculations them, stimulation others reflection possible. power abstain intrusion activity freedom, pursued people's well-being, exigent obviously compelling.' repeated warning Keyishian Regents, 385 589, 87 675, 683, 629: 37 'Our deeply committed safeguarding transcendent concerned. That special tolerate laws cast pall orthodoxy over classroom.' 38 violation alleged, examined cloak attitudes analogy Labor Relations Act, 151 seq. While discharges employees 'cause' permissible (Fibreboard Paper Products Corporation NLRB, 379 203, 217, 85 398, 406, 233), employee's union activities banned 8(a)(3), 158(c)(3). So search ascertain ground pretext. Judge Pacific KF135 P2 Stevens 380 292, 300 (2 Cir.). 39 renewed, honored, guest lecturer. petitioners (Keyishian himself) 'one-year-term contract' renewed. U.S., 592, S.Ct., 678. Shelton Tucker, 364 479, 247, 231, 'contract renewed' (id., 483, 249) two comply advised 'impossible following Id., 484, 250. oath affidavit listing memberships both, our view, mean conditioning surrender 40 conflict ststem, noted Pickering 391 563, 569, 88 1731, 1735, 811. why judgments class seldom appropriate. Another careful factfinding often necessary know feigned one. 41 said privilege, grant withhold conditions. have, thesis numerous cases, Graham Richardson, 365, 374, 1848, 1853, 534. Van Alstyne, Demise Right- Privilege Distinction Constitutional Law, Harv.L.Rev. 1439 (1968). Hannegan Esquire, Inc., 327 146, 156, 456, 461, 586, Congress withdrawal mailing place could constitutionally directly. American Communications Association Douds, 339 382, 402, 70 674, 685, 925, abridged privilege facilities Board. applicant denied exercised Speiser Randall, 357 513, 78 1332, 1460, denial tax exemption abridgment proposes deny alleges engaged unprotected speech, requires bear burden proving protected. '(T)he 'protection arbitrary action' (is) very essence process,' Higher 559, 641, act secretly behind closed doors affected actions, check possibility 'arbitrary action.' Moreover, 'important interests' citizen implicated (Bell Burson, 402 535, 539, 1586, 1589, 90) taken away Ibid. Bell Burson involved driver's license. disqualification unemployment compensation (Sherbert Verner, 374 1790, 965), (Slochower supra), (Speiser (Goldberg 287). 515. add importance dignity. 44 1230, opposed. cook cafeteria military installation access facility. Her employer prepared employ restaurants, likely injure elsewhere impaired. limited outweigh Government's authority federal establishment. Nonrenewal effect consequences enormous. blemish turns scar effectively limits chance least 45 If conditioned rights; apart adverse contemplated him. rebut reasons—both petitioners—there means short lawsuit discharged guarantees. 46 979—980: 47 'Substantive useless safeguards. N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions minimal includes intends retain professor, respond reasons, appointed place. At reasonable submit evidence relevant reasons. going forward proof rests professor. makes showing wholly inappropriate basis obliged fact.' 48 procedure approved. F.2d, 809—810. though 1983 pending court, stay hand until procedures completed.2 Perry, 430 939 (CA5): 49 'School-constituted bodies most forums issues type, convenience parties order expertise resolving nice discipline, competence policy, frequently balanced reaching proper determination.' 944—945. 50 course district take, relieve final 51 Accordingly affirm Appeals. 52 MARSHALL, 53 During told term, never why. asserts year.1 This sustained today reverses rejects claim. dissent. 54 agree Part Court's opinion, setting forth framework issue presented, portions Parts assert whenever stigmatizes injures severely, deprives interest. go 'property.' 55 decisions discussed length obvious compelling—i.e., governments governmental agencies restrained acting respect either offer control. firmly established capriciously unreasonably practices, statutory2 contractual3 controls, different. fairly reasonably. 56 maintained 'the work living community personal (Fourteenth) secure.' 131 (1915) (Hughes, J.). 1042 (1923). guaranteeing period result time, reason.' 38, 9. 57 my every applies believe 'without law.' liberty— work—which 'very opportunity' 58 occasion note serious blow citizen. 655, 817 (1951) concurring); 1252 (1946). application why, underlying known citizens feel 59 Employment greatest, modern-day life. something valuable stake, reward demonstrating actions fair equitable. fundamental guarantee fairness, arbitrary, capricious, unreasonable Douglas that: 'It significance provisions Bill Rights procedural. spells difference whim caprice. Steadfast adherence strict safeguards main assurance will equal justice 179, 652 opinion). 61 Frankfurter '(t)he history is, measure, procedure.' Malinski York, 324 401, 414, 65 781, 787, 89 1029 (1945) (separate With controlled government, lower expect officers adjudications merit. step toward insuring expectations realized process; absolute uncontrolled invites abuse.' Hornsby Allen, 326 605, 610 (CA5 1964). 62 contexts applies. 287 (1970); (1971). Prior admission practice attorney Tax disputed fact;4 summarily hearing;5 rejection hearing;6 even substitute months she loyalty facts dispute.7 follow respond. 63 argued prospective intolerable machinery government. Cf. supra. answer argument burdensome exist. Whenever denied, discharged, made, scarcely crippled requirement communicated directly government's 64 Where applicants jobs, few choose demand hired. exceptionally great, devised adequate information persons. fear disclosure. acts improperly truly burdensome. precisely necessary. act, bent persons regardless hurdles placed path. Perhaps regularity renders difficult. eliminate arbitrariness results, malice, innocent error. 'Experience teaches affording safeguards, serve illuminate facts, itself operates prevent erroneous merits occurring.' Silver York Stock Exchange, 341, 366, 1246, 1262, 389 (1963). knows justify sound conduct cautious, careful, correct. Gellhorn put well: 'In citizenry officialdom other. Both interested equally quest echo late Jackson saying: 'Let overlooked sole benefit accused. best Government blunders leave lasting stains system justice'—blunders occur reasonableness indeed legality subjected appraisal one's own. .' Summary Colloquy Administrative Soc. Pub. Teachers 70, (1961). Accordingly, Rather, equivalent 'David hereby Position number 0262. (Location:) Oshkosh (Rank:) (Department:) (Date:) day (Month:) (Year:) 1968.' specify 'appointment basis' '(r)egulations governing Chapter 37.31, Statutes. shall 30th fiscal made.' n. 2, infra. Wis.Stat. 37.31(1) (1967), force pertinent 'All probation. permanent, behavior teacher.' 'No permanently herein charges. Within days charges, president board regents colleges. investigated, hear decision.' 1967, provide: 'RULE I—February throughout deadline notification non-tenured concerning each date.' II—During probation, III—'Dismissal' opposed 'Non-Retention' termination responsibilities non-tenure Statutes appeal. may, discretion, request institution, committee President, both. Any informal advisory only. IV—When Each considered separately will, case.' insisted other, valid grounds. came conclusion regarding President's case,' stated, 'it bases (the) await amplification trial. inappropriate.' 982. decide varying conclusions. Some neither required. E.g., Orr Trinter, 444 128 (CA6); Jones Hopper, 410 1323 (CA10); Freeman Gould Special School District, 1153 (CA8). Drown Portsmouth 435 1182 (CA1). depend 'expectancy' Ferguson Thomas, 852, 856 (CA5). Before interest, hearing, 'except extraordinary justifies postponing event.' Boddie Connecticut, 401 371, 379, 780, 786, 113. '(m)any controversies raged Clause,' emergency (and one) seeks (a protected) ., afford 'notice case' becomes effective.' 542, 1591, 90. rare preceded see, Central Union Trust Garvan, 254 554, 566, 214, 403; Phillips Commissioner Internal Revenue, 283 597, 608, 1289; Ewing Mytinger Casselberry, 594, 870, 1088. 'The formality requisites vary, depending subsequent proceedings.' 378, 786. 263, 1018, 287; Hannah Larche, 420, 1502, 1307. narrow leading ago, Columbia Circuit general 'privilege,' 'right,' inapplicable. Bailey 86 U.S.App.D.C. 248, 182 46, aff'd divided 918, 669, 1352. holding thoroughly undermined years. For, Blackmun wrote 'this turn characterized 'right' 'privilege." 482, 2600; 1589; 262, 1017; Shapiro Thompson, 394 618, 627 6, 1322, 1329, 600; 568, 1734, 811; Sherbert 404, 1794, 965. 418; supra; 'Although assumed (in Fifth Clause) great precision, mere restraint.' 499, 884. name. Once cleared name employer, assumption 'that creates concrete practical difficulties career.' 979. affirmance largely premise substantial career professor' amounts limitation 809. assuming, arguendo, 'substantial effect' constitute state-imposed restriction liberty, contains assumptions. how affect prospects. Mere proof, job, alone, somewhat less attractive employers hardly foreclosure amounting 'liberty.' 796. 5, nonetheless, here 'as prophylactic motivated rights.' 810 (emphasis supplied). finding felt sufficiently 'with background controversy unwelcome expressions opinion.' impinge press, adversary precede action, substantive standards. injunction issued rallies meetings. Carroll Com'rs Princess Anne, 393 175, 347, 325. indicated necessity large-scale seizure allegedly obscene books, magazines, forth. Quantity Books Kansas, 378 205, 84 1723, 809; Marcus Search Warrant, 717, 1708, 1127. Freedman Maryland, 51, 734, 649; Bantam Sullivan, 372 58, 631, 584. Monaghan, 'Due Process', 518. impinged comparable books Whatever simpliciter, Goldsmith 270 117, 494, There, petitioner lawyer 'published it, attorneys admitted states, Columbia, certified accountants duly qualified eligible. applicant, suspend disbar admission.' 119, 216. discretionary power, denial. Although disposed grounds, Chief Taft, existence Board's applied. 'must construed investigation, notice, process.' 217. are, rehired. found anything approaching 'common law' re-employment, Perry 593, 602, 2694, 2705, 570, strong Report Academic Freedom Tenure, Procedural Standards Renewal Faculty Appointments, AAUP Bulletin Page (Spring 1970). Section reads follows: 'Every who, color statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, usage, Territory, subjects, causes subjected, jurisdiction thereof privileges, immunities laws, liable party injured suit equity, proceeding redress.' Such contrary well-settled exhaustion remedies. Wilwording Swenson, 249, 407, 419 (1971); Damico California, 416, 526, 647 (1967); McNeese 668, 1433, 622 (1963); Monroe Pape, 365 167, 473, 492 One allegations complaint effective remedy, staying furthered rather thwarted purposes 1983. University. points out, time. Griggs Duke Power 424, 849, 158 2000e. Note, Process' Disciplinary Proceedings, Yale L.J. 1302 (1948). 494 (1926). 692 (1956). 224 418

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