Legal Document

417 U.S. 556 94 Supreme Court Reporter 2416 41 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 304 Georgia Theresa GILMORE et al., Petitioners,v.CITY OF MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA, al. Number 72—1517. Argued Jan. 15 and 16, 1974. Decided June 17, Syllabus Petitioners, Negro citizens of Montgomery, Ala., brought this class action in 1958 to desegregate the city's public parks, 1959 District ordered parks desegregated. The Appeals affirmed, retain jurisdiction. Thereafter, however, segregated recreational programs were continued by city cooperation with YMCA, swimming pools closed allegedly prevent mixing races, facilities neighborhoods not maintained equally those white neighborhoods. petitioners motion 1970 reopened litigation based on facts developed Smith versus 316 F.Supp. 899 (MD Ala.1970), which relief was obtained against 'coordinated effort' YMCA perpetuate parks. claims raised settled agreement. In 1971 filed 'Motion for Supplemental Relief,' forms basis present phase litigation, complaining that permitting racially schools other private group, club, or organization has a facilities. enjoined its officials from sanctioning use any school affiliated nonschool discriminatory admissions policy. sustained injunction insofar as 'exclusive' common citizens, but reversed it applied 'nonexclusive' groups. court found an insufficient threat desegregated education support restraining nonexclusive groups, no 'symbiotic relationship' between groups so impermissibly intruded upon freedom association who members such Held: 1. properly exclusive access schools. Pp. 566—569. (a) Using term 'exclusive use' implying entire facility is exclusively, completely, possession, control, also implying, without mandating decisionmaking role allocating among policy schools, context order subsequent history, created, effect, 'enclaves segregation' deprived equal 566-567. (b) control facilities, however temporary, little different agreement run 'coordinated' but, program. This carried brand 'separate equal' and, circumstances case, terminated Court. 567—568. (c) More importantly, policies operated directly contravene outstanding desegregation order, arrangement, implemented state at level, significantly tends dual system, whatever manner, constitutionally impermissible. 568—569. 2. On record, possible determine whether others, organizations, involved actions users warrant intervention constitutional grounds. 569—574. record does contain sufficient predicate legal judgment certain uses exclusively contravened some way constitute 'state action' ascribing question. Pacific KF135 P2 570. portion Court's prohibiting mere 'private club organization' invalid because predicated proper finding action. Moose Lodge 107 Irvis, 407 163, 92 1965, 32 627, distinguished. 572—574. 473 Federal Reporter, 2nd 832, part, remanded. Joseph Judge Levin, Jr., petitioners. D. Phelps, respondents. Mr. Justice BLACKMUN delivered opinion 1 prolonged concerns propriety federal court's enjoining municipality park discriminate their membership race. We granted certiorari consider important issue. 414 907, 215, 38 145 (1973). 2 * Petitioners are Alabama. December 1958, now over years ago, they instituted Montgomery's defendants city, Board Commissioners thereof, Parks Recreation members, Superintendent Recreational Program. 3 By original complaint, specifically challenged, Fourteenth Amendment due process protection grounds, Montgomery ordinance (No. 21—57, adopted 4, 1957) made misdemeanor, subject fine imprisonment, 'for colored persons enter upon, visit, occupy houses places, pools, wadding (sic) beaches, lakes ponds except assigned respective races.' Both declaratory injunctive requested.1 September 9, 1959, entered unconstitutional enforcing 'or custom, practice, usage may require plaintiffs, Negroes similarly situated, submit enforced segregation solely race color owned City Alabama.' accompanied memorandum opinion. 176 776 Ala.1959). appeal, Fifth Circuit affirmed modified provide 277 364, 368 (1960). trial court, accordingly, ruled 'will hereby jurisdiction cause until further order.'2 4 1970, sought reopen litigation. They asking, relief, respondents be cited contempt deliberately avoiding violating Judgment Order case.'3 contained allegations municipal had been 'in manner avoid total full integration said parks'; conspired segregate programs; unequally allocated neighborhoods; discriminated employment personnel programs. these arose other, separate initiated 1969 resulting granting affirmative plaintiffs suit. See Young Men's Christian Assn., aff'd modified, 462 634 (CA5 1972). F.Supp., 908, them, reached shortly before closing entry decree, effectuated 'the perpetuation Montgomery,' id., 909, 'unmistakably clear purpose circumvent rulings area recreation.' Id., 908.4 As summarized Appeals, concluded: 5 '(T)he result cooperative agreement, performing statutorily declared 'public function'; Park has, transferred statutory authority responsibility thereby investing character; therefore serving rather than agency assisting providing city. 6 YMCA's conduct denied rights Equal Protection law; under case plaintiffs' showing satisfies requirement Title 42, Code KF62 Section 1983 'under law." F.2d, 641 642. 7 modification related only disapproval provision directing specific Negro-white ratio board executive committee. No review here. 8 dated January 29, 1971.5 July first written progress report. 8, Relief.' App. 15. complained clubs requested policy.' 9 requested. 337 22 Ala.1972). reasoned duty bring about maintain system. Providing de facto jure inconsistent aid enhanced attractiveness generated capital savings could used improve educational offerings, provided means raise revenue institutions, all detriment establishing mandated unitary consequently, 'from school, if group 26. went on, sparse findings brief discussion, 'by Ibid.6 10 part remanded directions. 832 1973). It restrained when citizens. 837. ruled, 'nonexclusive enjoyment' children 'was proven personal right affected enjoy rest public.' Ibid. With respect concerning held there kind condemned Burton Wilmington Parking Authority, 365 715, 81 856, 45 (1961). Consequently, 627 (1972), dealing deletion paragraphs clarification others. 839—840. complied mandate particular, added following paragraph order: 11 'The issued prohibit non-exclusive general government services groups.' 12 petitioned certiorari; did cross-petition. II 13 Clause '(i)ndividual invasion individual rights.' Civil Rights Cases, 109 3, 11, 18, 21, 27 L.Ed. 835 (1883). proscribe, 'of every kind' operates deny citizen laws. proscription applies well '(c)onduct formally 'private' become entwined governmental impregnated character limitations placed action.' Evans Newton, 382 296, 299, 86 486, 488, 373 (1966). we must engaged activity violative order. decide involvement alleged through constitutes limitation. Atlantic 14 latter possession football stadiums, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, tennis courts official athletic contests similar functions sponsored schools.' F .2d, 836—837. boundaries approach, self-evident. find concept helpful much controlling principle description type suggestive implies group.7 implies, mandating, decision-making matter, Upon understanding term, agree eliminate 'custom, usage' reflecting 'impermissible obeisance thoroughly discredited doctrine equal." Watson Memphis, 526, 538, 83 1314, 1321, 529 (1963). obviously meant practices eliminated 'root branch,' phrase employed Green County School New Kent County, 391 430, 438, 88 1689, 1694, 20 716 (1968). 16 Instead prompt orderly compliance mandate, elaborate subterfuge anticipate Segregated presented conveniently cooperating local YMCA. All races. Facilities light facts, case,8 entirely appropriate carefully scrutinize practice would tend abandon normally open races basis. Here, Such 17 Particularly fact Carr Education, 232 705 Ala.1964); 253 306 (1966); 289 647 (1968), 400 1, 402 782, 784, 787 1968), rev'd sub nom. directions affirm Court, 395 225, 89 1670, 23 263 (1969).9 Certainly, aware responsible seeing impede Cooper Aaron, 358 78 1401, (1958); U.S., 437—438, S.Ct., 1693—1694; Alexander Holmes 396 19, 20, 90 30, 24 19 (1969). Any . can neither nullified openly legislators judicial officers, nor indirectly them evasive schemes attempted 'ingeniously ingenuously." 1409. tangible assistance, outside generalized might prohibited 'a significant tendency facilitate, reinforce, discrimination.' Norwood Harrison, 413 455, 466, 93 2804, 2811, 37 723 obligation State 'requires steer operating old system giving institutions racial invidious 467, 2812. 18 formed reaction enabling offer complete stadiums fields resulted enabled divert own funds opportunity operate concessions revenue. persuaded, both assistance tended undermine establishment maintenance Montgomery. wholly B Although out modify 'to make groups,' 840, organizations have 839. unable draw conclusion zoos, museums, involves improper stage appropriateness many varied situations where will judged contravention impermissible us judgments kind. questions resolved decisions careful identification types available various put groups.10 21 difficulties confront readily apparent. Under circumstances, conclude, instance indeed For example, all-white teams invited participate tournament conducted teams. Because 'discriminatory treatment exerts pervasive influence process,' 469, 2812, citing Brown 347 483, 74 686, 98 873 (1954), although proffered fully court-ordered within fashion equitable 'adjusting reconciling needs.' 349 294, 300, 75 753, 756, 99 1083 (1955). essential justifying direct impairment 1409; Bush Orleans Parish Board, 364 500, 260, 245 (1960); South Carolina 296 199 (SC), aff'd, 393 222, 449, (1968); Poindexter Louisiana Financial Assistance Comm'n, 275 833 (ED La.1967), 389 571, 693, 780 Lee Macon 267 458 Ala.), Wallace States, 415, 422 (1967); supra. Relief particular vestige state-sponsored decree likewise Dawson Mayor Council Baltimore, 220 386 (CA4), 350 877, 76 133, 100 774 (1955); Muir Louisville Theatrical 971, 783, 1112 (1954); Atlanta, 879, 141, Improvement Assn. Detiege, 54, 79 99, 46 (1958). contains indications all-Negro Dixie Youth Babe Ruth leagues children, city-provided ballfields lighting, balls, bats, mitts, aid. Were came evading separate-but-equal race, appropriate. problem more complex. relied concluding reflect 838—839. feel applicable generally followed approach taken supra, stated: 25 'Owing very 'largeness' government, multitude relationships appear fall Amendment's embrace, that, remembered, determined framework peculiar present.' 725—726, 862. 26 organization, organization's constituted fraternal beverage bar licensed regulated State. contrast, here, Burton, question existence centers extent agencies using makes joint participant challenged activity, which, account, cannot considered 'purely private' scope Amendment.' 725, property entities, like Lodge. then discrimination alleged. Reitman Mulkey, 387 369, 87 1627, 830 supra; never held, course, otherwise entity receives sort benefit service State, regulation degree whatever.' 173, 1971. Traditional monopolies, electricity, water, police fire protection—all services—do discrimination. 465, 2810; same true broad spectrum facilities: playgrounds, amphitheaters, like. Cf. 302, 490. follows, therefore, If, rations freely accessible naturally stronger simply comers condition reservation. allege engages scheduling softball games church league provides equipment, fields, lighting. situation dangerously close what exist 'elected place power, prestige behind admitted reminded, formulate 'an infallible test determining discriminations' 378, 1632. "Only sifting weighing circumstances' (on case-by-case basis) 'nonobvious attributed significance." Ibid, quoting 722, 860. task remand. III 28 word caution. should obvious exclusion person group—all-Negro, all-Oriental, all-white—from infringes associate he chooses. Douglas emphasized his dissent, joined Marshall, He observed: associational our honors permit white, black, brown, yellow formed. Catholic, Jewish, agnostic established. Government tell man woman her associates be. selective desires.' 179 180, 1975. beliefs share, reprehensible. produce diversity oils machinery democratic insures peaceful, change. exercise largely dependent property, Healy James, 408 169, 181—183, 2338, 2346—2347, 33 266 denial withstand scrutiny circumscribed. person's possesses alone ground Having this, serve infringe Invidious takes toll associate, 470, 2813. 29 part. remand turn proceedings consistent 30 ordered. 31 MARSHALL, concurring dissenting & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions am views expressed my Brother WHITE'S opinion, wish address considerations believe govern appellate case. That unfortunately longstanding intimate familiarity problems supplemental issue here response bringing attention allowing memberships expense. appears equipment purchased expense, intended cured 34 limiting conformity scope, project wide variety Court—including so-called nature walks, facilities—and projected. 35 rendering advisory matters solve abstract view, appropriately entrusted large measure sound discretion lived better appreciation actual need resolve exist. 36 Since permissible remedy instances attention, sustain reinstate entirety. BRENNAN, judgment. today affirms Appeals' ante, 563—564, n. 6, enjoin Unlike do think required determination uses' proscribed, school-sponsored school-directed enable duplicate operations 39 (1973), struck down program loaned textbooks students regard attended policies. Finding free textbooks, tuition grants students, 'form financial inuring themselves,' 464, 2810, not, Clause, grant 2811. reasoning compels financially benefits Schools, except, 'such necessities life protection,' 1971, (1972). unconstitutionality thus school's gym classes organized contests. making activities, unconstitutionally subsidizes relieving expense maintaining 40 Whether necessary go even facilities—as Brothers WHITE DOUGLAS—is Private likely walks. take field trips themselves. An appropriate, insure effectuation decrees. vacation reversing relating direction new remanding A required, whether, purposes supplementary distinction proper, second, meaningful, clarify evidence conclude facilities.* 42 But, adequate policies, improper, compiled establishes beyond after decade engage deliberate affirming demonstrates bears repetition: 43 44 (1968).' Ante, 566—567. Surely, failure extirpate created less violation proved 'enclaves' Thus, unlike see reason deferring immediate expression significance 574, pending factual record. justifications violated plainly uses, too, violate decree. circumstance, consists continuing frustrate dismantlement WHITE, whom DOUGLAS joins, 47 concur city-owned recreation events occasions curriculum arranged difference substance majority agrees permitted Clause. 48 useful emphasize leasing, rental, extending scarce belong arm State; decision lease city; fair assume into transactions behalf know being extended. purposes, action, conceded hence deemed words, furnished group's protection? (1961), perfectly itself make, advise, authorize minds ordinary Prior institution suit, others situated. chairman replied 'has matter.' responded, Commission integrated parks.' Exhibits attached complaint 22, Action 1490—N, Middle Alabama, Northern Division. Within days authorities, resolution effective persons, purport officially 1965. continued, them. April 1964, lain dormant four years, file 'without prejudice party petitioning reinstatement.' Petitioners' motion, August 7, styled Cite Defendants Contempt October 2, treated amendment complaint. revealed attempt thwart coordination agreed conflict one offered department. football, basketball, track elementary junior high students. administering delegated Department. Each supposedly nearest branch. Yet 'every predominantly three branches though closer Cleveland Avenue (Negro) Every is, regardless location, branch.' 905. given lighting programs, water pools. 1959. 'In 1957, small branch downtown 1,000 members. 1960, two 'Co-ordination Committee' five Today six eight approximately 18,000 members.' 908. settlement aimed population specified construction community center. Improvements existing 'on extent.' approved Jurisdiction, 'specifically retained,' report months. decretal provisions text, taxation costs, are: '1. Alabama's unconstitutional. '2. agents, servants, employees, acting concert it, each '3. '4. employees understand include allocation results pro tanto use; would. say permissible. infra, 570 10. notice (1970), presided. bench Y.M.C.A. case.' Excerpted transcript, testimony William Chandler, Nov. Page 7. reported 24, referred State's boards desegregate. Brethren concurrence hardly repetition swept limits factfinding prudent raw power. apparent, Brennan correctly notes, Moreover, prepared, juncture standing claim parties concrete injury suffered. desegregating Without use, cognizable plaintiffs. carte blanche administer past usual prudential tenets power observed other. My examination reveals: 'Agreement Submission Case,' reciting submitted pleadings parties, answers interrogatories heretofore Defendants, Fact Stipulation hereto.' propounded connection Further commenced, respondent Henry M. Andrews, Director Department, anything Stipulation, addresses There depositions several earlier proceeding amended led Testimony citywide E. Marshall Durwood Lynn Bozeman, City's Athletic Director. Marshall's deposition states while time segregated, removed restrictions number ago 'realizing (the) Leagues facilities' invitations join directors white. Bozeman's testifies supplies playing pays gives dozen chest protectors, leg guards, masks, bats. covers private, league, discusses leagues.

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