Legal Document

458 U.S. 718 102 Supreme Court Reporter 3331 73 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 1090 MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN, et al., Petitioners,v.Joe HOGAN. Number 81-406. Argued March 22, 1982. Decided July 1, Syllabus Held : The policy of petitioner Mississippi University for Women (MUW), a state-supported university which has from its inception limited enrollment to women, denying otherwise qualified males (such as respondent) the right enroll credit in School Nursing violates Equal Protection Clause Fourteenth Amendment. Pp. 723-733. (a) party seeking uphold statute that classifies individuals on basis their gender must carry burden showing an "exceedingly persuasive justification" classification. Kirchberg versus Feenstra, 450 455, 461, 101 1195, 1199, 67 428; Personnel Administrator Mass. Feeney, 442 256, 273, 99 2282, 2293, 60 870. is met only by at least classification serves "important governmental objectives and discriminatory means employed" are "substantially related achievement those objectives." Wengler Druggists Mutual Insurance Co., 446 142, 150, 100 1540, 1545, 64 107. test be applied free fixed notions concerning roles abilities females. 723-727. (b) single-sex admissions MUW's cannot justified asserted ground it compensates discrimination against women and, therefore, constitutes educational affirmative action. A State can evoke compensatory purpose justify if members benefited actually suffer disadvantage Rather than compensating barriers faced tends perpetuate stereotyped view nursing exclusively woman's job. Moreover, not shown gender-based substantially directly proposed objective. To contrary, permitting men attend classes auditors fatally undermines claim Nursing, adversely affected presence men. Thus, fallen far short establishing needed sustain 727-731. (c) Nor exclusion language § 901(a)(5) Title IX Education Amendments 1972, exempts 901(a)'s general prohibition federally funded education programs policies public institutions undergraduate higher "that traditionally continually [their] establishment [have] had admitting students one sex." It clear that, argued State, Congress enacted pursuant power granted 5 Amendment enforce Amendment, thus placed limitation upon broad prohibitions Clause. Rather, apparently intended, most, create exemption IX's requirements. In any event, Congress' under "is adopting measures guarantees Amendment; grants no restrict, abrogate, or dilute these guarantees." Katzenbach Morgan, 384 641, 651, n. 10, 86 1717, 1724, 16 828. 731-733. 646 Federal Reporter, 2nd 1116 (5th Cir.) 653 222 affirmed. Hunter M. Gholson, Columbus, Miss., petitioners. Wilbur O. Colom, respondent. Justice O'CONNOR delivered opinion Court. 1 This case presents narrow issue whether state excludes enrolling professional school 2 * facts dispute. 1884, Legislature created Industrial Institute College White Girls Mississippi, now oldest all-female college States. 1884 Miss.Gen.Laws, Ch. 30, 6. school, known today women.1 3 1971, MUW established initially offering 2-year associate degree. Three years later, instituted 4-year baccalaureate program also offers graduate program. own faculty administrative officers establishes criteria admission.2 4 Respondent, Joe Hogan, registered nurse but does hold degree nursing. Since 1974, he worked supervisor medical center city located. 1979, Hogan admission Nursing's program.3 Although was qualified, denied solely because his sex. officials informed him could audit courses interested, credit. Tr. 26.4 filed action District Northern claiming violated sought injunctive declaratory relief, well damages. 6 Following hearing, preliminary relief. App. Pet. Certiorari A4. court concluded maintenance bears rational relationship State's legitimate interest "in providing greatest practical range opportunities female student population." Id., A3. Furthermore, stated, arbitrary schools consistent with respected, though universally accepted, theory affords unique benefits students. Ibid. Stating presented fact, would enter summary judgment dismissing unless tendered factual issue. When offered further evidence, entered favor State. Record 73. 7 Appeals Fifth Circuit reversed, holding discriminates gender, improperly used "rational relationship" judge constitutionality policy. 1116, 1118 (1981). Instead, proper carried heavier important 1118, 1119. Recognizing significant all citizens, then found failed show opportunity females, males, substantial interest. Holding excluding sex denies equal protection laws, vacated monetary damages, remanded entry conformity appropriate proceedings. 1119-1120. 8 On rehearing, contended Congress, enacting Public Law 92-318, Statutes-at-Large 373, 20 Code KF62 1681 seq., expressly authorized continue exempting have IX.5 Through provision, argued, reach exercising Amendment.6 rejected argument, grant authorize maintain practices violative 9 We certiorari, 454 962, 501, 70 377 (1981), affirm Appeals.7 II 10 begin our analysis aided several firmly principles. Because challenged among applicants subject scrutiny Reed Reed, 404 71, 75, 92 251, 253, 30 225 (1971). That this statutory rather females exempt reduce standard review.8 Caban Mo- hammed, 441 380, 394, 1760, 1769, 297 (1979); Orr Orr, 440 268, 279, 1102, 1111, 59 306 (1979). Our decisions establish 428 (1981); 870 insurance 107 (1980).9 11 determining validity straightforward, Care taken ascertaining objective itself reflects archaic stereotypic notions. exclude "protect" they presumed inherent handicap innately inferior, illegitimate. See Frontiero Richardson, 411 677, 684-685, 93 1764, 1769-70, 36 583 (1973) (plurality opinion).10 12 If important, we next determine requisite direct, between present. requiring close assure determined through reasoned mechanical application traditional, often inaccurate, assumptions about women.11 need requirement amply revealed reference statutes already invalidated Court, relied simplistic, outdated assumption "proxy other, more germane bases classification," Craig Boren, 429 190, 198, 97 451, 457, 50 397 (1976), link classification.12 13 Applying framework, analyze arguments advanced refusal allow Nursing. III Atlantic 14 primary justification maintaining Brief Petitioners 8.13 As find argument unpersuasive. 15 circumstances, favoring intentionally assists disproportionately burdened. Schlesinger Ballard, 419 498, 95 572, 42 610 (1975). However, consistently emphasized "the mere recitation benign, automatic shield protects inquiry into actual purposes underlying scheme." Weinberger Wiesenfeld, 420 636, 648, 1225, 1233, 43 514 same searching made, regardless eliminate family controversy, (1971), achieve efficiency, (1973), balance burdens borne readily apparent considered such situation Califano Webster, 430 313, 1192, 51 360 (1977), involved challenge allowed low-earning computing Social Security retirement benefits. effect monthly were available earning history, upheld scheme, noting took account "as been unfairly hindered much men" "work[ed] remedy" resulting economic disparity. 318, S.Ct., 1195. 17 similar pattern influenced decision supra. There, federal Naval 13-year tenure commissioned service before mandatory discharge, accorded male 9-year tenure. recognized barred combat duty, fewer promotion counterparts. By allowing additional four particular rank subjecting them compensated other advancement. 18 sharp contrast, made lacked obtain training field attain positions leadership when opened door currently deprived opportunities. 1970, year first class enrolled, earned 94 percent degrees conferred 98.6 nationwide. Dept. Health, Education, Welfare, Earned Degrees Conferred: 1969-1970, Institutional Data 388 (1972). aberration; decade earlier, 98.9 Conferred, 1959-1960: Bachelor's Higher 135 (1960). expect, labor force predominance began operation, nearly 98 employed nurses female.14 Bureau Census, 1981 Statistical Abstract 402 19 compensate job.15 assuring allots openings men, lends credibility old should become nurses, makes self-fulfilling prophecy. Stanton Stanton, 421 7, 1373, 688 conclude although recited "benign, purpose," alleged classification.16 invalid fails second part test, 21 permits who participate fully classes. Additionally, both take continuing regular enroll. Deposition Dr. James Strobel 56-60 Dean Annette K. Barrar 24-26. uncontroverted record reveals affect teaching style, Nancy L. Herban 4, classroom performance students, 61 7-8, coeducational do dominate classroom. sum, flatly inconsistent necessary goals. 22 considering methods Accordingly, Amendment.17 B 23 attempt contends direct beneficiary "of specific congressional legislation which, face, institution exist past." 19. based 901(a) 1681(a). prohibits receive financial assistance, subsection sex" prohibition. 5, Arguing furtherance us "a Amendment." 20. 24 requires little comment. Initially, 901(a)(5), constitutional obligation. requirements IX. 25 Even envisioned exemption, fail. Section gives indeed command "to secure persons enjoyment perfect equality civil rights laws denial invasion. . ." Ex parte Virginia, (10 Otto) 339, 346, L.Ed. 676 (1880). however, 828 (1966). give deference classifications, neither nor validate law guaranteed See, e.g., Goldfarb, 199, 210, 1021, 1028, 270 (1977); Williams Rhodes, 393 23, 29, 89 9, (1968). 26 fact applies provides solace: "[A] governing dispute judges, obligations Supremacy Clause, conflict Constitution. Marbury Madison, Cranch 137 [2 60] (1803)." Younger Harris, 401 37, 52, 91 746, 754, 27 669 IV Appeals. 28 so ordered. 29 Chief BURGER, dissenting. & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions agree generally POWELL's dissenting opinion. write separately, emphasize Court's context school. Ante, 723, 3338. relies heavily finding dominated profession, see ante, 729-731, suggests might maintaining, example, option all-women's business liberal arts 31 BLACKMUN, 32 Unless wished preserve historical anachronism, states obvious observes long ago replaced original statement brought corporate papers 20th century. perhaps partial consequence, finds litigation, opinion, 719-720, n.1, taking full advantage failure, embarrassment discomfiture. 33 Despite times changed intervening years. What once "Institute College" genuine university, expanded 1974. But respondent "wants in" location home Columbus. enough open Jackson Hattiesburg. closed doors system like Hogan. Assuming qualified—and reason whatsoever doubt qualifications—those maleness alone prevent gaining professes seek. 34 come suspect easy go too rigid rules area claimed discrimination, lose—indeed destroy—values mean some people forbidding offer choice while depriving others alternative choice. POWELL separate post, Page 735, advances theme well. 35 While purports narrowly, declaring decide respect "separate equal" 720, units n.7, there inevitable spillover ruling today. ruling, seems me, places jeopardy confines body sex, even elsewhere equivalent complaining applicant. reasoning stop Women. hope lose values think worthwhile (and differences race religion) relegate ourselves needless conformity. ringing words what aptly describes "liberating spirit," 741,—do demand price. 37 POWELL, whom REHNQUIST joins, 38 bows deeply Left without honor—indeed, held unconstitutional—is element diversity characterized American enriched life. holds may provide single learning heed efforts abundant young institutions, none preferences 40,000 over evidenced approval choosing (MUW) seven universities within decides unlawful popular respected environment. man, represents class, whose concern personal convenience. 39 undisputed enjoy complete Mississippi's education. Of junior colleges, except coeducational. At two provided curriculum wishes pursue.1 No joined complaint. groups acquaintance file amicus briefs alumnae MUW. And emphatically respondent's arguments, urging benefited. 40 significantly disadvantaged tradition. His complaint harm: travel concededly him. characterizes injury "inconvenience." 724, 8. description fair accurate, somewhat embarrassed is, course, one's town. Thus redress inconvenience, rest invalidation mode "sexual stereotype" whatever "wrong" complains. best anomalous. ultimately anomaly legal error—that applying heightened standard, developed cases sexual stereotyping, narrowly utilized women. believe inappropriate method applied. 41 Coeducation, historically, novel theory. From grade high college, training, Nation's population during history educated sexually segregated classrooms. level, instance, until recently most prestigious colleges universities—including Ivy League—had histories Harvard, Yale, Princeton remained all-male half century, "Seven Sister" parallel excellence women's colleges. Seven Sisters, Mount Holyoke seminary 1837 chartered 1888. Vassar founded 1865, Smith Wellesley 1875, Radcliffe 1879, Bryn Mawr 1885, Barnard 1889. Holyoke, Smith, remain essentially institutions. Carnegie Commission 70-75 Opportunities (Carnegie Report), excerpted baron Babcock, Freedman, E. Norton, S. Ross, Sex Discrimination 1013, 1014 (1975) (Babcock). retains independence Columbia, traditional coordinate institution. Harvard maintained 1975.2 segregation reflection of, imposition upon, preference disputed, highly attending leading virtually choice.3 chosen there, usually expressing special Similar elected only.4 arguable reported "favor[s] continuation They [an environment women] speak up classes, campus, role models mentors teachers administrators." Report, quoted Davidson, R. Ginsburg, Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Kay, Sex-Based 814 (1975 ed.). 10-year empirical study Cooperative Research Program Counsel California, Los Angeles, affirmed distinctive universities. summarized Astin, Four Critical Years 232 data 44 "[b]oth [male female] facilitate involvement areas: academic, interaction faculty, verbal aggressiveness. Men's positive intellectual self-esteem. Students satisfied aspects life where less social life."5 45 expressions singular advantages numerous. numerical establish—in sense properly cognizable court—that individual misguided illegitimate, citizens choice.6 46 transgresses Constitution when—within diverse campuses, curricula, alternatives—it seeks accommodate desiring college. my view, errs seriously assuming—without discussion—that applicable here. designed "archaic overbroad generalizations 508, 577, previous invalidate expand choices. prior plaintiff, case, benefit. 47 cited therefore control us. given benefit men.7 Cases involving plaintiffs equally inapplicable. permitted buy beer anywhere afforded accept "statistically measured loose-fitting generalities drinking tendencies aggregate groups." 209, 463. prevailed (1979), seek alimony divorced wives, escape statute's stereotypical announcement allocation responsibilities wife plays dependent ."8 48 case,9 frustrates liberating spirit choose type prefer. yet regards victims illegal, perception society. reasons way woman complained, complainant man claims behalf anyone else. claim, recalled, being substantive opportunity, Respondent 24.10 located inconvenient distances.11 49 views presenting serious discrimination. not, rational-basis analysis. apply "lowest tier" scrutiny. present Court: distinction serve achievement. E.g., (1980). historic position dating back 1884. More 2,000 presently evidence having enrolled there. invidiously one.12 preserving substantial. Generations finest minds, educators believed single-sex, college-level afford There many persons, different views. simply reason—certainly dimension—to served available. arguing operated "perpetuate job." 729. acknowledges, 1971—about 90 after campus founded. hardly supports profession Indeed, Jackson. 1982 Undergraduate Catalog 162. part—a relatively small part13—of modern curriculum. departments typical degrees14 subjects.15 indication campuses policy.16 practice voluntarily honored tradition country, rarely exists accommodation choices completely consensual themselves will most. Finally, long-respected objective.17 52 feature America's diversity. characteristic peoples numerous lands built country. essence democratic system. stake preservation aspect insignificant, heritage learning. answers discrimination—not just tolerable, example candidates able contribute less—but dimension. But, "discrimination," difficult identify victims. discriminated against. Mississippi. insists community. case. never intended kind case.18 charter MUW, basically unchanged since founding, provides: "The aim moral advancement girls first-class sciences, normal kindergarten, instruction bookkeeping, photography, stenography, telegraphy, typewriting, designing, drawing, engraving, painting, industrial application, fancy, needlework, branches experience, time time, shall suggest fit affairs life." Miss.Code Ann. 37-117-3 maintains question Cf. Vorchheimer Philadelphia, 532 880 (CA3 1975), aff'd divided 703, 1671, 750 (1977). Record, Exhibit 1980-1981 Bulletin 31-34, 212-229. With degree, earn salary eligible specialized anesthetist. 18. Strobel, President verified classload either night daytime 39-40. IX, 1681(a), part: "(a) person shall, excluded participation in, subjected activity receiving that: "(1) regard section vocational education, education; "(5) enforce, legislation, provisions article." statements Appeals' refer F.2d, 1119, underpinning Hogan's relief program, Complaint ¶ 8-10, oral counsel Oral Arg. 24. limited, review judgments, opinions, Black Cutter Laboratories, 351 292, 76 824, 1188 (1956), decline address policy, Without question, disadvantage. attended received programs, driving considerable distance home. 19-20, 63-65. similarly situated required forgoing bearing inconvenience. full-time jobs, 29-30, colleagues training. toward imposed bear female." 1108, argues rigorous advance "serious claim." Post, 742. proposing labels "rigid" productive "needless conformity." 734, 735. past establish, level vary appears acceptable Members importance outcome analysis, change. previously measure objective, classifications inherently suspect. 13, 1377, History examples legislative attempts areas legislators perform function. 1873, unmoved Myra Bradwell's prohibited classifying her unfit she female. Bradwell Illinois, Wall. 130, (1873). concurring judgment, Bradley described fill: "It prerogative legislator prescribe regulations nature, reason, experience due professions callings demanding skill confidence. fairly belongs police State; peculiar characteristics, destiny, mission woman, province legislature ordain offices, positions, filled discharged energies responsibilities, firmness predominate sterner Wall., 142. vein, Goesaert Cleary, 335 464, 466, 69 163 (1948), legislature's preclude bartending, devise preventive "moral problems" result tend bar. Similarly, protective late 19th early centuries weaker workers, assumed meant Brown, Katz, Price, Women's Rights 209-210 For supra, specified greater age majority thereby period parent responsible supporting children. did defining parents' obligation support children minority. purported [is] destined rearing family, marketplace world ideas. minority boy order parental attains so, too, girl." U.S., 14-15, 1377-78. Once abandoned, remained. (1981) (statute husbands manage dispose jointly owned property spouse's consent); (1980) widower, widow, incapacitated recover death workers' compensation laws); supra (only ordered pay following divorce); (1976) (women purchase "nonintoxicating" younger men); reached earlier (widows, widowers, collect survivors' Act); (determination dependency member Armed Forces benefits); (1971) preferred administrators estates). reply brief, understandably retreated contention Reply 4. Apparently, impetus founding came desire superior white access 1856, Sally Reneau agitating Those initial unsuccessful, 1870, black Mayes, 178, 228, 245, 259, 266, (1899) (hereinafter Mayes). Neilson, 4-5 (unpublished manuscript, 1952) Neilson). 1882, chartered, "extensively patronized females; qualify teach." 178. 1890, largest number 350 session 253. solicit attendance 1920, 1907 86. form academically disenfranchised. T. Woody, 137-223 (1929); Baker, I'm Radcliffe! Fly Me! Sisters Failure 136-141 (1976). Relatively change place 1980, nationwide, National Center Statistics, Digest Statistics 121 constituted 96.5 force. Officials Nurses Association suggested depressed nurses' wages. Hearings Employment Opportunity Job Segregation Wage 510-511, 517-518, 523 (Apr.1980). extent effect, penalizes very assume affects nursing, nonetheless invalid, perceived (1977) (legislative "directly addressed differing treatment women" "purposely favorable wage earners. ."). ever attempted Code, sort insufficient dissent environments. -742-744. begs question. profits classification, confer achieving goal. "[T]wo Bachelor Science Southern Hattiesburg, 178 miles Columbus; Jackson, 147 Columbus 3. briefly above, Northeast duplicated mention Hollins College, Mary Baldwin Randolph Macon Woman's Sweet Briar Each proud reputation quality true historically education—particularly East South—were single-sex. extents, always substantial, relating country document obvious: generations Americans, including scholars, thought—wholly animus—that distinct announcing Wellesley's 1973 Barbara Newell said "[t]he research clearly demonstrates produce disproportionate leaders society; demonstrate proportion motivation students." 1014. Similarly rejecting coeducation Trustees Committee Coeducation conditions colleges" continued remaining One expect relevant case: "[I]n courtship mate-pairing, remains pursued expected adorn groom herself attract male. comment common equities arrangement, sociological fact. "An collegiate uniquely atmosphere some, all, maximum potential. overcome repression orient function still economy. playing mating game giving academic emphasis. Consequently, flourish graduates make contributions arts, business." Alumnae Amicus Curiae 2-3. "[T]he require keep abreast latest especially respectable contrary Any rule courts legislatures matters policy." McNair, 316 F.Supp. 134, (SC 1970) (footnote omitted), summarily aff'd, 951, 976, 235 456, 1197, (invalidating gave husband, 'head master' wife, unilateral consent"); 147, 1544, working paid spouse work-related payable deceased earner"); shorter children); 645, 1232, worker received"); 683, 1768, containing "mandatory applicants"); 74, "arbitrary males" administration decedent's Mohammed, (1979) opportunity—given women—of blocking adoption illegitimate child withholding consent, permit counter generalization maternal paternal men). argue here "strict scrutiny"—a "sex discrimination" adopted. Sexual differs tradition, typified Plessy Ferguson, 537, 1138, 256 (1896), racial segregation. facilities offered, alternatives increase blacks, sole alternative. stands contrast. considers criterion admission. consequently select desire; matter coercion. says "any 731, 17. goal." (emphasis added). brief states: "Joe ask Nursing; asks MUW." position, "being town, treated differently reside communities distant supported university. necessarily inure detriment others, depending institution." Heaton Bristol, 317 South Western 86, (Tex.Civ.App.1958), cert. denied, 359 230, 79 802, 765 (1959), F.Supp., 137. " 'Such plan (i.e., "single-sex" institutions) exalts expense recognizes sexes best, varied supply.' 138, 15, quoting 100. takes pages 234-page course catalog. Women, 81/82 185-200. Arts; Science; Master Science. id., 40. preprofessional law, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, veterinary medicine. Table Contents lists subjects (offered Arts Sciences): Air Force ROTC; Art; Behavioral Sciences; Biological Business Economics; Education; English Foreign Languages; Physical Recreation, Dance; History, Journalism Broadcasting; Mathematics; Music; Speech Communication. catalog "Sarah Isom Studies," "dedicated development scholarship dissemination information expanding career opportunities, mutual networks ages backgrounds." 13-14. listing precedes University's Medical Centers. 14-15. sufficiently goal audited 138 last 21. average, then, year. current annual 913 passim. understandable materially affecting charges tuition auditing. evidently correct believing few circumstances. deviation ends insubstantial. opening closing sentences note terms "professional school" "decline[s] welcome if, leaves each departments—which include dozen departments. nn. 13-15, answer every critical board officials. adjudged guilty logic entire apart mentioned sweepingly University. repeatedly "gender-based discrimination," deny nevertheless "narrow[ly]." Normally presented. me University, dissent. viewed unambiguously longer principled way—in light rationale—to insistence Board operate remainder fear liability. liability conduct official "violate[s] reasonable known." Harlow Fitzgerald, 457 800, 818, 2727, 2738, 396 (1982). decision.

Classification Label: 1