Legal Document

433 U.S. 299 97 Supreme Court Reporter 2736 53 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 768 HAZELWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT et al., Petitioners,v.UNITED STATES. Number 76-255. Argued April 27, 1977. Decided June Syllabus The brought this action against petitioners, the Hazelwood, Mo., School District, located in St. Louis County, and various officials, alleging that they were engaged a 'pattern or practice' of teacher employment discrimination violation Title VII Civil Rights Act 1964, as amended, which became applicable to petitioners public employers on March 24, 1972. District following trial ruled Government had failed establish pattern practice discrimination. Appeals reversed, part ground court's analysis statistical data rested an irrelevant comparison Negro teachers pupils instead Hazelwood relevant labor market area, it found consist County city Louis, where 15.4% are Negro. In 1972-1973 1973-1974 school years only 1.4% 1.8%, respectively, Hazelwood's Negroes, disparity, particularly when viewed background hiring procedures, was held constitute prima facie case racial Petitioners contend relied cannot sustain finding VII. Held: erred disregarding record dealing with after subject court should have remanded for further findings area ultimate determination whether has since Though correct view proper between composition teaching staff qualified population market, possibility proof might at level be rebutted by statistics post-Act practices such respect number Negroes hired compared total applicants. For, once been established work-force disparities, employer must given opportunity show 'the claimed discriminatory is product pre-Act rather than unlawful discrimination,' International Brotherhood Teamsters versus States, 431 324, 360, 1843, 1857, 52 396 n. 17. showed, but its conclusions ignored, two-year period 1972-1974 3.7% new Negroes. accepted Government's argument without considering petitioners' contention alone (where figure 5.7%) because attempts maintain 50% staff. difference figures may well significant disparity 5.7% sufficiently small weaken other proof, while large reinforce it. determining what provide most accurate basis numerous factors, moreover, also evaluated court. Pp. 306-313. 534 Federal Reporter, 2nd 805, vacated remanded. William Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Allen, Washington, D. C., petitioners. Lawrence G. Wallace, respondent. Mr. Justice STEWART delivered opinion Court. 1 petitioner covers 78 square miles northern Mo. 1973 Attorney General lawsuit Statutes-at-Large 253, 42 Code KF62 § 2000e seq. (1970 ed. Supp. V).1 complaint asked injunction requiring cease practices, take affirmative steps obtain faculty members, offer give backpay victims past illegal 2 formed from 13 rural districts 1949 1951 process annexation. By 1967-1968 year, 17,550 students enrolled district, whom 59 Negro; increased 576 25,166 1972-1973, just over 2%. 3 From beginning, followed relatively unstructured procedures teachers. Every person requesting application position sent one, completed applications submitted central personnel office, kept file.2 During early 1960's office notified all applicants whenever available, file late 1970's, no longer considered feasible. thus began selecting anywhere 10 interviews vacancy existed. did not substantively screen them send interviews, ascertain each applicant, if selected, would eligible state certification time he job. Generally, those who recently likely chosen interviews.3 4 Interviews conducted department chairman, program coordinator, principal Although conducting fill out forms rating respects, undisputed possessed virtually unlimited discretion his school. general guidance principals hire 'most competent' intangibles 'personality, disposition, appearance, poise, voice, articulation, ability deal people' counted heavily. principal's choice routinely honored Superintendent Board Education. 5 necessary recruit teachers, purpose members visited colleges universities Missouri bordering States. All institutions predominantly white, seriously either two four-year Missouri.4 As buyer's develop curtailed recruiting efforts. For 1971-1972 3,127 persons applied 234 vacancies; there 2,373 282 vacancies. A Negroes.5 6 first 1969. gradually successive years: 957 1970 year; 16 1,107 end 1972 22 1,231 year. comparison, according census figures, more 19,000 employed year That percentage included City recent policy attempting Apart county 1970. 7 Drawing upon these historic facts, mounted attack four different fronts. It adduced evidence (1) history alleged racially (2) disparities hiring, (3) standardless largely subjective (4) specific instances 55 unsuccessful jobs. offered additional response, relying introduced Government, perceived deficiencies case, own officially promulgated 'to training, preparation recommendations, regardless race, color creed.'6 8 unpersuaded discrimination, noting dual system ever existed Hazelwood. showing numbers nonprobative, similarly small. nothing suspect teacher-hiring followed. Finally, reviewed cases individual stating burden proving intentional sustained single instance. Hence, entered judgment defendants. 392 F.Supp. 1276 (ED Mo.). 9 Eighth Circuit reversed. 805. After suggesting assigned inadequate weight conduct before effective date VII,7 rejected resting appellate view, one area. Selecting area,8 Negro, years, This followed, addition, reasoned failing measure denied jobs four-part standard establishing set Court's McDonnell Douglas Corporation Green, 411 792, 802, 93 1817, 1824, 36 668.9 Applying standard, discrimination,10 'buttressed' proof. Because directed prescribed remedial order entered.11 11 We granted certiorari, 429 1037, 730, 50 747 consider substantial question affecting enforcement pervasive federal law. 12 primarily reliance 'undifferentiated work force find unrebutted discrimination.'12 raise, short, basic component Appeals' comparatively employees lacking probative force. consideration role pattern-or-practice suits under provides evaluating arguments advanced we stated 'establish preponderance (employer's) operating procedure regular unusual practice.' Id., 336, S.Ct., 1855. noted can important source cases, 14 'absent explanation, ordinarily expected nondiscriminatory will result less representative ethnic community hired. Evidence long-lasting gross even though 703(j) makes clear imposes requirement mirror population.' 340 20, 1856 n.20. 15 See Village Arlington Heights Metropolitan Housing Development Corp., 252, 266, 555, 564, 450; Washington Davis, 426 229, 241-242, 96 2040, 2048-2049, 48 597. Where shown, Teamsters, supra, 339, 1856. There doubt, light student fundamentally misconceived cases. market.13 337-338, 17, 1855, 1.8% contrast, was, census, least 5.7%.14 differences their face substantial, substituting holding conclusively proved lawsuit. 17 totally disregarded Racial made until forward decisions wholly way violate formerly maintained all-white purposefully excluding Negroes.15 reason, cautioned discrimination.' U.S., 1867. 18 showed , (3.5%) Negroes; 123 (4.1%) Over period, constituted 405 (3.7%). briefly mentioned reciting ignored discussing shown And gave tell story.16 19 What prove obviously depends compared. which, propriety vigorously disputed urged special staff, inclusion district distorts comparison. Were accepted, (St. alone) 15.4%. 20 important; (the 1973-1974) it.17 or, very possibly, intermediate evaluate considerations (i) based policies effect far back 1970, taken;18 (ii) extent changed district's otherwise been; (iii) Louis' recruitment diverted city, Hazelwood;19 (iv) prefer Hazelwood; (v) experience indicates about validity market. 21 appropriate comparative depend evaluation admonished Teamsters: '(S)tatistics . come infinite variety .. (T)heir usefulness surrounding facts circumstances.' 340, 1856-1857. Only make findings. foundation deciding law.20 hold, therefore, record, 1972.21 Accordingly, vacated, proceedings consistent opinion. 23 so ordered. 24 BRENNAN, concurring. 25 & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions join Similarly our decision Dayton Education Brinkman, 406, 2766, 851, today's revolves around relative factfinding roles courts appeals. plain, however, liberal substantive standards violation, including reconfirmed. 26 present adopted inappropriate legal therefore factual meaningful way. remand orders do so. my understanding, apparently STEVENS', post, 318 5, inquiry Court, ante, 311 accompanying text, help rebutting Indeed, black, serve bolster case. aid meeting Nonetheless think allow parties address calculations greater care precision. agree misapplication governing principles reasonably focused applicant-flow hope answering If, presently seems likely, reliable applicant lacking, conclusion reached Brother STEVENS inevitably forthcoming. 27 STEVENS, dissenting. 28 framework suit 1964 same any plaintiff case; does so, shifts defendant.1 neither party complains excluded, task decide (2), remaining sufficient carry 29 * clearly answered evidence, historical relating acts 30 One-third resided initial employment. Clark explained Appeals, treat county, market.2 15% black. 2% An telling statistic it, Proof itself 1856, (1977); Castaneda Partida, 430 482, 494-498, 1272, 1280-1282, 51 498. 31 matter history, black Both amendment making statute districts, used procedure. Since 'relevant aspects decisionmaking undergone little change,' infer preferring white continued influence practices.3 32 inference corroborated refused reasons. Taking whole, doubt sufficiency II 33 'offered response,' 303. challenges claiming excluded pointing (excluding city) argues city's trying city. separate reasons why insufficient: supported evidence; true, overcome 34 concerning wage differentials, commuting problems, advantages inner-city opposed suburban Without difficult understand simple fact third demonstrate 50/50 ratio undermine conclusion, reveals shortage districts.4 Surely 2,000 unavailable hire. 35 But exclude still tend With On random selection, expect 15, two-thirds number. benefit expert testimony, hesitate great enough, itself, discrimination.5 perfectly clear, whatever has, tends absolutely carrying overcoming Absolute precision too much expect. fairly assume selection resulted somewhere suggested perhaps 40 actually hired.6 assumption, refusal post-1972 remarkably accurate. 37 sum, entitled prevail record. rebut. Why, then, busy another trial? dispute examples motivated refusals hire; notes, already 'held none 814 (CA8).' Ante, 306 10. could muster change contradict fair drawn evidence. Instead, 38 Perhaps 'a story' told never presented, 310. No tried losing pointed similar possibility.7 always possible imagine offered, some point litigation end.8 39 Rather depart well-established rules procedure, affirm Appeals.9 reflected appraisal see reason prolong side requested.10 Under 2000e-6(a), authorized bring civil '(w)henever (he) reasonable cause believe group resistance full enjoyment rights secured (Title VII), nature intended deny exercise (those rights).' amendments function transferred 1974, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, private employers. 2000e-6(c) ed., V); also, 2000e-5(f)(1) V). instituted seven months transfer. Before 1954 required designation use 1962-1963 Applicants substitute preference performance satisfactory. One schools nearby Louis. second occasion, potential interviewed. disagree determine exactly how many job defendants witness, testified years. They several exhibits consisting manual, book, handbook, summary formation brief existence. originally enacted, employer. expanded include local governmental 1972, 86 103, whose §§ 2000e(a), (b), (f), (h) failure 1969, Missouri, somewhat inconclusive responsible 1962 Mississippi newspaper advertisement specified 'white only.' surrounded by, in, County. Mo.Ann.Stat. 46.145 (1966). Douglas, '(i) (an individual) belongs minority; seeking applicants; that, despite qualifications, rejected; rejection, remained open seek complainant's qualifications.' 1824. Upon elements, '(t)he then shift articulate legitimate, employee's rejection'. Ibid. F.2d, 814. discriminating race promulgate descriptions criteria, equal basis, filling vacancies discriminatorily applicants, awards, submit periodic reports progress 819-820. petition certiorari merits, phrased follows: 'Whether disregard treated actual manner rely undifferentiated workforce 1964.' Their merits raise question: Congress authority Section Fourteenth Amendment prohibit agency government absence discriminated race.' issue, presented opening statement designed scarcity 'is purpose' attributable 'deliberately policies.' Thus here, 396, theory simply (employer), 703(a) VII, regularly favorably persons.' 335, 1854 (footnote omitted). employer's areawide highly probative, skill involved drive truck possess readily acquire. When qualifications particular jobs, comparisons (rather smaller individuals qualifications) value. properly limited like Mayor Educational Equality League, 415 605, 94 1323, 630, racial-composition into account question. 620-621, 1333-1334. concede statistics, object heavy data, positions firmer noted, statistics. leave competent adduced. If would, course, relevant. Cf. Dothard Rawlinson, 321, 330, 2720, 2727, 786. discussed below, contends 15.4%, 5.7%, one. infra, 310-312. assuming, arguendo, correct, fourfold threefold precise method measuring significance 496-497, 1281, 498, involves calculation 'standard deviation' predicted fluctuations value sample. Using calculating value, roughly 63 70 1973-1974. observed 22, respectively. values six deviations five '(a)s rule samples, three deviations,' hypothesis regard suspect. 497 1281 say prior circumstances support continued, change. Fed.Rule Evid. 406; 267, Judge Wigmore, 92 (3d 1940); id., 302-305, 371, 375. And, extension command engage purposeful 13, 21, infra. cf. 364-367, 1868-1869. methodology 498 involving deviation fluctuations, using significant. taken 43 10) 282, deviations; 5) 123, deviations. combined, (of 405) vary 62 fluctuation undercut being randomly rebut used, 16, 10; 1973-1974, seven, 5; 15. analyzing confirms results analysis. KF105 F3 Mosteller, R. Rourke, Thomas, Probability Statistical Applications 494 (2d 1970). These observations suggest employing merely highlight importance 42% schools, indicate yet goal achieved. observe, example, Harris Teachers College graduating class 60% operated elementary secondary occupy advantageous graduates. undertake casual dictum 'distorted' valid criteria. 1276, 1287 available permit dependent hirings alone. 'At 'liability' stage ultimately relief victim policy. Its defeat demonstrating inaccurate insignificant. show, during pursued few justify 1867, 396. 'We accept consideration. draws employees. Ironworkers Local 86, 443 544, 551 (9th Cir. 1971). Of 176 October, September, 1973, approximately 80 percent Approximately one-third areas District.' 811-812, (1976). noteworthy Chief Gibson, dissent, urging broader contended, 821, Defendants' Brief Memorandum Support Proposed Findings Fact Conclusions Law, filed Aug. Civ. Act. 73-C-553(A) abandoned below. creates 'particularly (have) 309-310, discriminatory, irony claim 'Hazelwood (after 1972) select careful staffing growing system.' 29-30. 'Had obtainable disprove testimony Government), assumed State refrained introducing it.' Pierre Louisiana, 354, 361-362, 536, 540, 83 L.Ed. 757. drafted opinion, law clerks advised me size sample, 5% likelihood produced pool. (which described Blalock, Social Statistics 151-173 (1972)) easy testimony. Some 10% blacks faculties. Plaintiff's Exhibit 54 1975); 30. 'applicant-flow data' trial, now newly discovered am puzzled BRENNAN's explanation justification remand. concluded, emphasized kind presented; itself. stated: 'There treatment position.' 2, 22. My REHNQUIST's Rawlinson: 'If discredit plaintiffs' appear face, challenge endeavor impeach reliability disparage briefs accorded. appellants effort, said instant case.' 338-339, 2731, 786 (concurring opinion). interesting compare disposition Castaneda, '(i)nexplicably, practically evidence,' 1282. unlike affirmed giving chance (It expressly discrepancy State. 499, 1282.) asks 'for reconsideration ..' 78. explains: '(The raised is) sort evidentiary satisfies established.' Reply 2.

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