Legal Document

403 U.S. 672 91 Supreme Court Reporter 2091 29 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 790 Eleanor Taft TILTON et al., Appellants,v.Elliott L. RICHARDSON, Secretary of the Department Health, Education, and Welfare, al. Number 153. Argued March 2, 3, 1971. Decided June 28, Rehearing Denied Oct. 12, See 92 25. Syllabus The Higher Education Facilities Act 1963 provides federal construction grants for college university facilities, excluding 'any facility used or to be sectarian instruction as a place religious worship, * primarily in connection with any part program school department divinity.' retains 20-year interest constructed funds under Act, if, during this period, recipient violates statutory conditions, Government is entitled recovery funds. Four church-related colleges universities Connecticut received five facilities. Appellants attempted show, three-judge court, that institutions were 'sectarian' by introducing evidence their relations authorities, curricula content, other indicia character. Appellee introduced testimony they had fully complied conditions affiliations did not interfere secular educational functions. court held authorized schools, sustained its constitutionality, finding neither purpose nor effect promoting religion. Held: constitutional except portion providing limitation on use facilities Pacific KF135 P2 2095. 312 F.Supp. 1191, vacated remanded. CHIEF JUSTICE, joined Mr. Justice HARLAN, STEWART, BLACKMUN, concluded that: 1 1. includes affiliations. Pp. 676—677. 2 2. Congress' objective more opportunity education legitimate goal entirely appropriate governmental action. 678—679. 3 3. record supports District Court's findings involved have violated restrictions; it no basis assuming religiosity necessarily permeates colleges; yields religion seeps into 680—682. 4 4. period 20 years Religion Clauses First Amendment, unrestricted valuable property after contribution body. 682 684. 5 5. This case distinguished from Lemon versus Kurtzman, 602, 2105, 745; (a) there less danger here than primary secondary schools dealing impressionable children will permeate area education, since indoctrination substantial activity these colleges, (b) provided are themselves religiously neutral, correspondingly need government surveillance, (c) aid one-time, single-purpose grant, only minimal inspection. Cumulatively, factors lessen substantially potential divisive fragmentation political arena. 684—689. 6 6. implementation does inhibit free exercise violation Amendment. 689. 7 WHITE concurred result case. 661—671. 8 DOUGLAS, BLACK MARSHALL, concluded, respect years, reversion at end parochial would unconstitutional gift taxpayers' respects also act Establishment Clause. 692. 9 Leo Pfeffer, New York City, appellants. 10 Daniel M. Friedman, Washington, D.C., appellees Richardson Bell. 11 Federal KF105 F3 Michael Ahern, Hartford, Conn., appellee Peterson. 12 Edward Bennett Williams, Colleges Universities. 13 Chief BURGER announced judgment an opinion which STEWART BLACKMUN join. 14 appeal presents important questions Title & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions 1963, 77 Statutes-at-Large 364, amended, Code KF62 §§ 711—721 (1964 ed. Supp. V), buildings exclusively purposes. We must determine first whether authorizes such institutions, and, if so, either Free Exercise 15 was passed response strong nationwide demand expansion meet sharply rising number young people demanding higher education. loans 'institutions education' wide variety 'academic facilities.' But § 751(a) (2) ed., V) expressly excludes 16 divinity *.' 17 administered Commissioner Education. He advises applying project may instruction, programs school. requires applicants provide assurances restrictions respected. If, recover amount equal proportion present value grant bore original cost facility. During enforced Office way on-site inspections. 18 citizens taxpayers residents Connecticut. They brought suit injunctive relief against officials who administer Act. receiving named defendants. projects four institutions: (1) library building Sacred Heart University; music, drama, arts Annhurst College; (3) science Fairfield (4) Fairfield; (5) language laboratory Albertus Magnus College. 19 A convened 28 2282 2284. show content curricula, sponsorship organizations disputed. affiliation interfered performance ruled universities. It constitutionality 1191. noted probable jurisdiction. 399 904, 90 2200, 26 558 (1970). II satisfied Congress intended include all regardless defined education,' eligible receive broad inclusive terms. Certain example, public nonprofit, excluded, prohibits makes reference nonaffiliation. Under circumstances taken churchrelated 21 interpretation supported legislative history. Although extensive debate wisdom affiliated organizations, clearly included them program. sponsors so stated, 109 Cong.Rec. 19218 (1963) (remarks Sen. Morse); id., 14954 Rep. Powell); 14963 Quie), amendments aimed exclusion defeated. Id., 14990—14992, 19496. III 22 Numerous cases considered internal tension Amendment between Clause Walz Tax Comm'n, 397 664, 1409, 25 697 (1970), most recent decision seeking define boundaries neutral two provisions within legislature legitimately act. There, decisions, treated three main concerns sought protect: 'sponsorship, financial support, active involvement sovereign activity.' 668, S.Ct., 1411. 23 Every analysis begin candid acknowledgment single caliper can measure precise degree absent. Instead, our consideration cumulative criteria developed over many range action challenged violative 24 There always risks treating discussed time 'tests' limiting sense term. Constitutional adjudication lend itself absolutes physical sciences mathematics. standards should rather viewed guidelines identify instances objectives been impaired. And, we Kurtzman Earley DiCenso, 612, 2111, 745, candor compels dimly perceive permissible sensitive adjudication. Against background consider questions: First, reflect purpose? Second, advance religion? Third, administration foster excessive entanglement Fourth, 27 stated appears preamble where found declared 'the security welfare require future generations American youth assured ample fullest development intellectual capacities, jeopardized unless Nation's encouraged assisted efforts accommodate rapidly growing numbers aspire education.' 701. expresses 30 simplistic argument every form church-sponsored rejected long ago Bradfield Roberts, 175 291, 121, 44 L.Ed. 168 (1899). hospital operated order upheld. Here ground purposes Construction surely assist perform various bus transportation, textbooks, tax exemptions gave bodies otherwise forced find sources finance services. Yet forms assistance Everson Board 330 1, 67 504, 711 (1947); Central School Allen, 392 236, 88 1923, 1060 (1968); supra. crucial question some benefit accrues institution consequence program, but principal advances 31 possibility exists, course, law subverted conscious design lax enforcement. nothing new argument. judicial concern about possibilities cannot, standing alone, warrant striking down statute unconstitutional. 32 carefully drafted ensure federally subsidized devoted function institutions. academic training, worship. These Act's actual administration, shows required desgorge benefits failure obey them. 33 Finally, none has restrictions. presented services worship financed symbols plaques them, solely nonreligious On record, therefore, indistinguishable typical state contrary. 34 instead rely subsidize activities learning teaches doctrines. rests majority barred 'tax levied support whatever adopt teach practice religion.' U.S., 16, 511. In however, recognized fashioned statute's determinative being advanced 243, 1926; Abington Tp. Pa. Schempp, 374 203, 222, 83 1560, 1571, 844 (1963). 35 concept appellants' position depends validity proposition functions fact inseparable. thus inevitably escape notice Congress. thoughtfully debated, 19474—19475, unpersuasive. Allen. refused assume elementary provide. 36 similarly, assumption here. Two libraries. classes conducted imposed books acquired. third showed students pronunciation modern foreign languages—a seem peculiarly unrelated unadaptable indoctrination. build University 37 Indeed, parties stipulated courses taught according requirements intrinsic subject matter individual teacher's professional standards. appellants several institutional documents certain what could taught, characterized atmosphere freedom All subscribe 1940 Statement Principles Academic Freedom Tenure endorsed Association Professors Colleges. 38 Rather focus defendant case, seek shift attention 'composite profile' 'typical sectarian' told 'composite' imposes admissions, attendance activities, obedience doctrines dogmas faith, theology doctrine, everything propagate particular Perhaps fit pattern describe. ineligible authorities do contend fall category. Individual properly evaluated when challenges arise recipients then possess characteristics. strike hypothetical 'profile.' 39 40 reject arguments aspect enforcement inadequate impact If facility, 754(b)(2) permits facility's cost. 41 remedy, available 'within twenty completion construction.' termed interest' reflects accruing States' 'will exceed value' grant. 754(a). 42 754(b)(2), institution's obligation appear expire years. note, 718(b)(7)(C) 'during least therein (as section 754 title).' 43 Limiting prohibition structure obviously opens period. cannot assumed hence base provision contrary conclusion. is, converted chapel promote interests, advancing To extent therefore trespasses Clauses. restrictive obligations 751(a)(2) compatibly Clauses, while value. circumstance us invalidate entire however. 'The cardinal principle save destroy.' NLRB Jones Laughlin Steel Corp., 301 30, 57 615, 621, 81 893 (1937). Champlin Rfg. company Corporation Commission, 286 210, 234, 52 559, 565, 76 1062 (1932), 45 unconstitutionality defeat remaining provisions. Unless evident Legislature enacted those power, independently not, invalid dropped left operative law.' 46 Nor absence express severability dictate demise statute. E.g., Jackson, 390 570, 585 n. 27, 1209, 1218, 138 (1968). 47 intimating essential whole. view goals legislation serve, failed passage without provision; excision impair operation significant respect.1 IV 48 next turn entanglements characterize relationship church supra, 674 676, 1414—1415. Our today Robinson DiCenso applied independent fostered Pennsylvania Rhode Island schools. Here, diminish entanglement. 49 'an integral mission Catholic Church.' conclusion inculcation values dominant decided pleadings, accepted true allegations State shared same 50 Appellants' complaint contains similar allegations. denied answers, subject. made character learning, accept circumstances, particularly where, here, 'sectarian.' 51 generally differences aspects schools.2 'affirmative policy' pre-college 'to assure adherents faith having control total early age.' 671, 1412.3 substance contention susceptible indoctrination.4 Common observation view, well entertained it. skepticism student inconsiderable barrier attempt tendency subvert congressional limitations. Furthermore, very nature, postgraduate tend limit opportunities influence virtue own disciplines. Many high freedom5 evoke critical responses students. departed general pattern. governed faculties each predominantly Catholic. Nevertheless, non-Catholics admitted given faculty appointments. Not one attend take courses, covered human experiences limited Roman indoctrinate proselytize. rabbis. noted, well-established set principles freedom, followed. short, admitedly whose predominant 53 Since universities, likelihood reduces risk serve activities. Correspondingly, necessity intensive surveillance diminished resulting lessened. Such inspection necessary ascertain indeed hardly inspections impose private reach compulsory laws. 54 lessended nonideological provides. Allen permitted secular, services, materials supplied attend. teachers, directly indirectly. teachers greater guarantee salary instruction. excessive. hand, neutral. corresponding reduced. 55 reduced that, unlike direct continuing payments incidents regulation relationships dependencies, annual audits, expenditures Inspection contact. 56 No alone controlling; cumulatively shape narrow involves fewer contacts schemes before DiCenso. realizing substantive evils protect. think devisive admittedly difficult document, pointed aggravation processes. Possibly explained diversity intimate dependency divisiveness inherent essentially local problems significantly constituency diverse widely dispersed. V 58 inhibits claim because compelled pay taxes, proceeds Appellants, unable coercion directed beliefs. 248—249, 1929, 1060. Their share fundamentally distinguishable exemption textbooks upheld 59 conclude violate contained 751(a)(2). remand directions enter consistent opinion. 60 Vacated 61 whom MARSHALL concur, dissenting part. 62 correct President Kennedy 1961 questioned his policy respecting schools:1 63 '(T)he Constitution school, don't doubt that. 64 probably celebrated possible community rides nonpublic children. through minority statements clear direct. determining child, Aid is—there isn't room prohibited Constitution, clear. And recommending it.' 65 Taxpayer challenging expenditures, University, College, alleged controlled orders Diocese Bridgeport,Conn., 1964, 363, claims. 66 up 50% undergraduate both 'in urgently needed enrollment capacity, capacity health care personnel institution, carry out extension campus institution.' 716 V). prescribe basic instructed 'give special capacity.' 717 'structures suitable classrooms, laboratories, libraries, related students, research programs.' Specifically excluded 'used worship' 'primarily 754(b). According stipulation entered below, attempts insure manner At ceases pleases. 68 sure, furthered aided making system viable. increase 'student enrollment' now money. Parochial beamed agnostics, atheists, competing sect. sophisticated admit minorities; changed. 69 parrochial school2 outright measurable discounted worth plainly bars even though disguised reversionary interest. Lane Wilson, 307 268, 275, 872, 876, 1281. 70 invalidation clause cure infirmities giving block money once beginning apportioned annually significance. establishment bar consistently interpreted 511, 711, Torcaso Watkins, 367 488, 493, 1680, 1682, 982, meaning: 'No amount, large small, called, Thus impressive smaller gives once. plurality's distinction small violations (see DiCenso) huge occurring de minimis. agree sophistry. 71 What said relevant Religious teaching enmeshed strictest supervision compliance condition. exercises, classroom. operates budget. Money spent becomes observances controlling buildings. Engel Vitale, 370 421, 82 1261, 601, requirement prayer Once become funded bound (Ivanhoe Irrig. Dist. McCracken, 357 296, 78 1174, 1186, 1313; Rosado Wyman, 397, 427, 1207, 1225, 442 (concurring opinion); Simkins Moses Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Cone Memorial Hosp., Cir., 323 Reporter, 2nd 959, accordingly adherence exercises. That kind certainly obnoxious done radically change searching continuous, financing reasons companion cases. 72 words, creates designed avoid. today's last useful life previously '(it) lack due process regulate subsidizes.' Wickard Filburn, 317 111, 131, 82, 92, 87 122. price subsidy Could course History Methodism building? Would slanted version Reformation Quebec politics Duplessis permissible? How know continous auditing classroom instruction? agent satisfactory. 73 As DeCenso cases, unitary subtle blending practices affected 'be worship.' saved item budget elsewhere. By conducting another building, has—rent free—a nonsectarian use. called simply life, never cent building. 74 Much light pressing fiscal problems. Dr. Eugene C. Blake Presbyterian Church, wrote 1959:3 75 'When remembers churches inheritance (churches die), operate business exempt percent corporate income tax, real (which states generously construed) exempt, unreasonable prophesy reasonably prudent management, ought able whole economy nation predictable future. wealth partially responsible revolutionary expropriations England sixteenth century, France eighteenth Italy nineteenth Mexico, Russia, Czechoslovakia Hungary (to name few examples) twentieth seems self-evident. mounting expected keep hands off rich forever. revolution accompanied anticlericalism atheism surprising.' churches4 ironic incessant demands treasury. my dissent 714, 1434, 697: estate constitutes vast domain. Larson Lowell, Churches: Riches, Revenues, Immunities (1969). assets $141 billion $22 billion. 232. feeding trough alarming. chapter 10.' Atlantic Balk, Business Church (1967). almost unbelievable radical departure Madison's Remonstrance5 memorialized decision. 79 feeling despair history accorded day lost. 80 remembered deal command 'Congress shall make religion, prohibiting thereof.' million-dollar put miserable 'three pence' shame. he thought, do, coming pocket going coffers keeping ideal. reverse below. note apparently give Compare 3(B)(3) 3(C) P Application Form, App. 87. Freund, Comment, Public Schools, Harv.L.Rev. 1691 Judge Fichter, School: Sociological Study 77—108 (1958); Giannella, Liberty, Nonestablishment, Doctrinal Development, pt. II, Nonestablishment Principle, 513, 574 583. Pattillo D. Mackenzie, Church-Sponsored States, 96, 167, 204 (1966). Papers Presidents John Kennedy, 1961, Pages 142—143, News Conference 1961. 'It church, definitely service usually church. monies separated. groups owned people, people. title ownership vested community, elected officers board city council. bishop individual, appointed by, of, reports pope Rome.' Boettner, Catholicism 375 (1962). Exemption Churches, Christianity Today, 22, Aug. 1959, 6, 7. Churches enjoyed until recently advantage. Other charitable taxed 'unrelated taxable income' derived businesses regularly carried 512 Internal Revenue 1954. normal surtax. corporations 22% $25,000 48% additional income. 11. exempted tax. 511(a)(2). paid taxes revenues. Reform 1969, 487, advantage (prior May 1969) terminated January 1976. 121(b)(2), 540, 512(b)(16) H.R.Rep.No.91—413 (pt. I), 46—47, 48; H.R.Conf.Rep.No.91—782, Page 67. Remonstrance reproduced appendices Rutledge, J., Everson, 63, 534, Douglas, 719, 1437.

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