Legal Document

381 U.S. 126 85 Supreme Court Reporter 1321 14 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 261 James Atlantic WATTS et al.v.SEWARD SCHOOL BOARD al. Number 923. May 3, 1965. George Kaufmann, for petitioners. N. Hayes, respondent Seward School Board. PER CURIAM. 1 Petitioners Watts and Blue were dismissed from their positions as schoolteachers in Seward, Alaska, on grounds of 'immorality,' which under Alaska Statutes 1962, § 14.20.170 was defined 'conduct the person tending to bring individual concerned or teaching profession into public disgrace disrespect.' Petitioners' dismissals upheld by Superior (Third Judicial District), appeal affirmed Court's decision. 395 Pacific Reporter, 2nd 372. The noted that '(t)he immoral conduct complained appellant his holding private conversations with various teachers he solicited support an attempt oust school superintendent job. allegedly making a speech labor union at stated, 'We have been unable get rid (school) Superintendent, so we are going Board', words effect.' P.2d, 374. held this 'had tendency (petitioners) * disrespect,' within terms statute, 375, it therefore sustained dismissals. contend engaging here described unconstitutionally infringe rights political expression guaranteed First Fourteenth Amendments Constitution. 2 We need not consider petitioners' contentions time, since petition certiorari filed has amended its statutes area. House Bill 27, adopted Legislature signed Governor March 31, 1965, now defines 'immorality' revocation certificate, 'the commission act which, laws state, constitutes crime involving moral turpitude.' Moreover, Statutes, Tit. 14, chapter 20, addition new section reads: 3 'Sec. 14.20.095. Right Comment Criticize Not be Restricted. No rule regulation commissioner education, local board, administrator may restrict modify right teacher engage comment criticism outside hours, relative administrators, members governing body any district, other official, employee, same extent exercise right.' 4 This supervening changes state law relevant disposition case require cause remanded appropriate action court. See, e.g., State Missouri ex rel. Wabash R. company versus Public Service Comm'n, 273 126, 131, 47 311, 313, 71 L.Ed. 575. Cf. Trunkline Gas Hardin County, 375 8, 84 49, 11 38. Accordingly, is allow court effect upon case. To end, granted, judgment vacated, such further consideration deemed law. 5 Vacated remanded.

Classification Label: 8