johnson california et argued november decided february california department corrections cdc unwritten policy racially segregating prisoners double cells days time enter new correctional facility based asserted rationale prevents violence caused racial gangs petitioner johnson inmate intermittently policy terms ever since incarceration filed suit alleging policy violates fourteenth amendment right equal protection district ultimately granted defendant former cdc officials summary judgment grounds entitled qualified immunity ninth circuit affirmed holding policy constitutionality reviewed deferential standard articulated turner safley strict scrutiny policy survived turner scrutiny held strict scrutiny proper standard review equal protection challenge cdc policy pp cdc policy immediately suspect express racial classification shaw reno ninth circuit erred failing apply strict scrutiny thereby require cdc demonstrate policy narrowly tailored serve compelling state interest see adarand constructors pe racial classifications imposed government must analyzed strict scrutiny order illegitimate uses race assuring government pursuing goal important enough warrant highly suspect tool richmond croson cdc claim policy exempt categorical rule neutral prisoners equally segregated ignores repeated command racial classifications receive close scrutiny even may said burden benefit races equally shaw supra indeed rejected notion separate ever equal neutral years ago brown board education refuses resurrect today previously applied heightened standard review evaluating racial segregation prisons lee washington need strict scrutiny less important perpetuating notion race matters racial segregation inmates may exacerbate patterns violence said counteract shaw supra virtually federal government manage prison systems without reliance racial segregation fact argues possible address prison security concerns individualized consideration without using racial segregation unless warranted necessary temporary response serious threat violence transferees particular cdc already evaluated least clear individualized determinations possible pp declines cdc invitation make exception categorical strict scrutiny rule instead apply turner deferential review standard ground cdc policy applies prison context never applied turner standard asks whether regulation burdens prisoners fundamental rights reasonably related legitimate penological interests right discriminated based one race susceptible turner logic right need necessarily compromised sake proper prison administration contrary compliance fourteenth amendment ban racial discrimination consistent proper prison administration also bolsters legitimacy entire criminal justice system cf batson kentucky deference particular expertise officials managing daily prison operations require relaxed standard relax standard review racial classifications prison lee refuses today rather explicitly reaffirms necessities prison security discipline lee supra compelling government interest justifying uses race narrowly tailored address necessities see grutter bollinger turner standard allow prison officials use policies even means accomplish goal even policy practice advance goal lenient standard ferret invidious uses race contrary cdc protest strict scrutiny render prison administrators unable address legitimate problems violence prisons remand cdc burden demonstrating policy narrowly tailored regard new inmates well transferees pp decide whether cdc policy violates equal protection leaves ninth circuit district apply strict scrutiny first instance see consolidated rail corporation gottshall reversed remanded delivered opinion kennedy souter ginsburg breyer joined ginsburg filed concurring opinion souter breyer joined stevens filed dissenting opinion thomas filed dissenting opinion scalia joined rehnquist took part decision case garrison johnson petitioner california et al writ certiorari appeals ninth circuit february justice delivered opinion california department corrections cdc unwritten policy racially segregating prisoners double cells reception centers days time enter new correctional facility consider whether strict scrutiny proper standard review equal protection challenge policy cdc institutions house new male inmates male inmates transferred state facilities reception centers days upon arrival time prison officials evaluate inmates determine ultimate placement assignments reception centers based number factors predominantly race fact cdc admitted chances inmate assigned cellmate another race retty zero percent app pet cert cdc subdivides prisoners within racial group thus housed separately northern california hispanics separated southern california hispanics cdc asserted rationale practice necessary prevent violence caused racial gangs brief respondents cites numerous incidents racial violence cdc facilities identifies five major prison gangs state mexican mafia nuestra familia black guerilla family aryan brotherhood nazi low riders cdc also notes culture violent murderous associate warden testified race considered making initial housing assignments certain racial conflict cells yard app prison officials also expressed belief violence conflict result prisoners segregated see cdc claims must therefore segregate inmates determines whether pose danger others see brief respondents exception double cells reception areas rest state prison facilities dining areas yards cells fully integrated initial period prisoners allowed choose cellmates cdc usually grants inmate requests housed together unless security reasons denying garrison johnson inmate custody cdc incarcerated since time housed number california prison facilities fourth amended complaint record doc upon arrival folsom prison time transferred new facility thereafter johnson another inmate see ibid johnson filed complaint pro se district central district california february alleging cdc housing policy violated right equal protection fourteenth amendment assigning cellmates basis race alleged former cdc director james rowland instituted enforced unconstitutional policy housing inmates according race second amended complaint record doc johnson made allegations former director james gomez period filing complaint ibid district dismissed complaint failure state claim appeals ninth circuit reversed remanded holding johnson stated claim racial discrimination violation equal protection clause fourteenth amendment johnson california remand johnson appointed counsel granted leave amend complaint july filed fourth amended complaint record doc johnson claimed cdc policy racially segregating inmates cells violated rights equal protection clause johnson sought damages alleging former cdc directors rowland gomez individual capacities violated constitutional rights formulating implementing cdc housing policy also sought injunctive relief former cdc director stephen cambra johnson consistently challenged cdc consistently defended policy whole relates new inmates inmates transferred facilities johnson first segregated new inmate entered cdc facility folsom since segregated time transferred new facility thus subject cdc policy new inmate inmate transferred one facility another discovery parties moved summary judgment district granted summary judgment defendants grounds entitled qualified immunity conduct clearly unconstitutional appeals ninth circuit affirmed held constitutionality cdc policy reviewed deferential standard articulated turner safley strict scrutiny applying turner held johnson burden refuting connection policy prison violence though believed close case appeals concluded policy survived turner deferential standard appeals denied johnson petition rehearing en banc judge ferguson joined three others dissented grounds panel decision ignore repeated unequivocal command racial classifications imposed government must analyzed reviewing strict scrutiny fail ed recognize turner analysis inapplicable cases one right asserted inconsistent legitimate penological objectives internal quotation marks citations omitted granted certiorari decide standard review applies ii held racial classifications imposed government must analyzed reviewing strict scrutiny adarand constructors pe emphasis added strict scrutiny government burden proving racial classifications narrowly tailored measures compelling governmental interests ibid insisted strict scrutiny every context even benign racial classifications university admissions policies see grutter bollinger preferences government contracts see adarand supra districting intended improve minority representation see shaw reno reasons strict scrutiny familiar racial classifications raise special fears motivated invidious purpose thus admonished time bsent searching judicial inquiry justification measures simply way determining classifications fact motivated illegitimate notions racial inferiority simple racial politics richmond croson plurality opinion therefore apply strict scrutiny racial classifications illegitimate uses race assuring government pursuing goal important enough warrant use highly suspect tool cdc claims policy exempt categorical rule neutral neither benefits burdens one group individual group individual brief respondents words strict scrutiny apply prisoners equally segregated cdc argument ignores repeated command racial classifications receive close scrutiny even may said burden benefit races equally shaw supra indeed rejected notion separate ever equal neutral years ago brown board education refuse resurrect today see also powers ohio rejecting argument peremptory challenges permissible applied equally white black jurors holding axiomatic racial classifications become legitimate assumption persons suffer equal degree previously applied heightened standard review evaluating racial segregation prisons lee washington per curiam upheld decision striking alabama policy segregation prisons alabama argued desegregation undermine prison security discipline rejected contention three justices concurred make explicit something left gathered implication opinion prison authorities right acting good faith particularized circumstances take account racial tensions maintaining security discipline good order prisons jails ibid emphasis added concurring justices emphasized unwilling assume state local prison authorities might mistakenly regard explicit pronouncement evincing dilution firm commitment fourteenth amendment prohibition racial discrimination ibid need strict scrutiny less important prison officials cite racial violence reason policy recognized past racial classifications threaten stigmatize individuals reason membership racial group incite racial hostility shaw supra citing croson supra plurality opinion emphasis added indeed insisting inmates housed inmates race possible prison officials breed hostility among prisoners reinforce racial ethnic divisions perpetuating notion race matters racial segregation inmates may exacerbate patterns violence said counteract shaw supra see also trulson marquart caged melting pot toward understanding consequences desegregation prisons law soc rev study prison desegregation finding years rate violence inmates segregated race double cells surpassed rate among racially integrated see also brief former state corrections officials amici curiae opinion former corrections officials six racial integration cells tends diffuse racial tensions thus diminish interracial violence blanket policy racial segregation inmates contrary sound prison management cdc policy unwritten although california claimed oral argument two follow similar policy see tr oral arg assertion unsubstantiated unable confirm deny virtually federal government manage prison systems without reliance racial segregation see brief amicus curiae federal regulations governing federal bureau prisons bop expressly prohibit racial segregation cfr bop staff shall discriminate inmates basis race religion national origin sex disability political belief includes making administrative decisions providing access work housing programs contends racial integration actually leads less violence bop institutions better prepares inmates society brief amicus curiae indeed argues based experience bop possible address concerns prison security individualized consideration without use racial segregation unless warranted necessary temporary response race riot serious threat violence transferees particular cdc already evaluated least clear individualized determinations possible cdc policy express racial classification immediately suspect shaw therefore hold appeals erred failed apply strict scrutiny cdc policy require cdc demonstrate policy narrowly tailored serve compelling state interest cdc invites us make exception rule strict scrutiny applies racial classifications instead apply deferential standard review articulated turner safley segregation policy applies prison context decline invitation turner considered claim missouri prisoners regulations restricting inmate marriages correspondence unconstitutional rejected prisoners argument regulations subject strict scrutiny asking instead whether regulation burdened prisoners fundamental rights reasonably related legitimate penological interests never applied turner racial classifications turner involve racial classification cast doubt lee think unsurprising applied turner test rights inconsistent proper incarceration overton bazzetta see also pell procunier prison inmate retains first amendment rights inconsistent status prisoner legitimate penological objectives corrections system certain privileges rights must necessarily limited prison context see estate shabazz awful incarceration brings necessary withdrawal limitation many privileges rights retraction justified considerations underlying penal quoting price johnston thus example relied turner addressing first amendment challenges prison regulations including restrictions freedom association overton supra limits inmate correspondence shaw murphy restrictions inmates access courts lewis casey restrictions receipt subscription publications thornburgh abbott work rules limiting prisoners attendance religious services shabazz supra also applied turner due process claims involuntary medication mentally ill prisoners washington harper restrictions right marry turner supra right discriminated based one race susceptible logic turner right need necessarily compromised sake proper prison administration contrary compliance fourteenth amendment ban racial discrimination consistent proper prison administration also bolsters legitimacy entire criminal justice system race discrimination especially pernicious administration justice rose mitchell public respect system justice undermined system discriminates based race cf batson kentucky ublic respect criminal justice system rule law strengthened ensure citizen disqualified jury service race government officials permitted use race proxy gang membership violence without demonstrating compelling government interest proving means narrowly tailored society whole suffers similar reasons used turner evaluate eighth amendment claims cruel unusual punishment prison judge violations amendment deliberate indifference standard rather turner reasonably related standard see hope pelzer asking whether prison officials displayed indifference inmate health safety inmate claimed violated rights eighth amendment quoting hudson mcmillian integrity criminal justice system depends full compliance eighth amendment see spain procunier kennedy full protections eighth amendment certainly remain force prison whole point amendment protect persons convicted crimes mechanical deference findings state prison officials context eighth amendment reduce provision nullity precisely context necessary internal quotation marks omitted prison context government power apex think searching judicial review racial classifications necessary guard invidious discrimination granting cdc exemption rule strict scrutiny applies racial classifications undermine unceasing efforts eradicate racial prejudice criminal justice system mccleskey kemp internal quotation marks omitted cdc argues eference particular expertise prison officials difficult task managing daily prison operations requires relaxed standard review segregation policy brief respondents refused defer state officials judgments race areas officials traditionally exercise substantial discretion example held despite broad discretion given prosecutors use peremptory challenges using challenges strike jurors basis race impermissible see batson supra similarly redistricting context despite traditional deference given design electoral districts subjected redistricting plans strict scrutiny draw district lines based predominantly race compare generally vieth jubilier partisan gerrymandering shaw reno racial gerrymandering relax standard review racial classifications prison lee refuse today rather explicitly reaffirm implicitly held lee necessities prison security discipline compelling government interest justifying uses race narrowly tailored address necessities see grutter thomas concurring part dissenting part citing lee principle protecting prisoners violence might justify narrowly tailored racial discrimination croson harlan dissenting see also pell entral corrections goals institutional consideration internal security within correctional facilities justice thomas subject policies prisons turner deferential standard review view judgments whether policies necessary better left first instance officials run nation prisons post turner lenient standard ferret invidious uses race turner requires policy reasonably related legitimate penological interests turner allow prison officials use policies even means accomplish goal even policy practice advance goal see case reasoning turner appeals agree policy actually advances cdc legitimate interest might reasonably thought policy advance see also turner supra warning turner least restrictive alternative test internal quotation marks omitted example justice thomas world prison officials segregate visiting areas ground racial mixing cause unrest racially charged prison atmosphere turner prisoner prove riot certainly riot ensue society well prisons contains enough racists almost interracial interaction potentially lead conflict case ferguson dissenting denial rehearing en banc indeed justice thomas view obvious limit permissible segregation prisons readily apparent segregation reception centers justified segregation dining halls yards general housing areas also permissible areas potential site racial violence justice thomas approach carry day even blanket segregation policy struck lee might stand chance survival prison officials simply asserted necessary prison management therefore reject turner standard racial classifications prisons make rank discrimination easy defend cdc protests strict scrutiny handcuff prison administrators render unable address legitimate problems violence prisons see also post thomas dissenting strict scrutiny strict theory fatal fact adarand internal quotation marks omitted grutter although governmental uses race subject strict scrutiny invalidated strict scrutiny preclude ability prison officials address compelling interest prison safety prison administrators however demonstrate policies narrowly tailored end see action necessary compelling governmental interest action violate constitutional guarantee equal protection long requirement also satisfied fact strict scrutiny applies says nothing ultimate validity particular law determination job applying strict scrutiny adarand supra juncture determination made remand cdc burden demonstrating policy narrowly tailored regard new inmates well transferees prisons dangerous places special circumstances present may justify racial classifications contexts circumstances considered applying strict scrutiny designed take relevant differences account iii decide whether cdc policy violates equal protection clause hold strict scrutiny proper standard review remand case allow appeals ninth circuit district apply first instance see consolidated rail corporation gottshal reversing remanding lower apply correct legal standard first instance lucas south carolina coastal council judgment appeals reversed case remanded proceedings consistent opinion ordered chief justice took part decision case garrison johnson petitioner california et al writ certiorari appeals ninth circuit february justice ginsburg justice souter justice breyer join concurring join opinion subject reservation expressed grutter bollinger ginsburg concurring today resoundingly reaffirms principle racial segregation highly suspect justified ground persons suffer separation equal degree ante quoting powers ohio join declaration without reservation write separately express conviction standard review control judicial inspection every official race classification stated recently gratz bollinger dissenting opinion actions designed burden groups long denied full citizenship stature sensibly ranked measures taken hasten day entrenched discrimination aftereffects extirpated see also grutter ginsburg dissenting pretense however california department corrections cdc installed segregation policy correct inequalities see wechsler nationalization civil liberties civil rights supp tex experience federal prisons see ante post stevens dissenting strongly suggests cdc assignment new inmates transferees administratively convenient may necessary safe management penal institution disagreeing strict scrutiny properly applies racial classifications see ante agreeing stereotypical classification hand warrants rigorous scrutiny join opinion garrison johnson petitioner california et al writ certiorari appeals ninth circuit february justice stevens dissenting judgment state policy segregating prisoners race first days incarceration well first days transfer one facility another violates equal protection clause fourteenth amendment california department corrections cdc ample opportunity justify policy course litigation utterly failed whether judged strict scrutiny deferential standard set turner safley cdc incentive proceedings withhold evidence supporting policy cdc made offer proof suggest remand factual development serve purpose postpone inevitable therefore agree submission amicus curiae hold policy unconstitutional current record cdc segregation based conclusive presumption housing inmates different races together creates unacceptable risk racial violence policy logic inmate race proxy gang membership gang membership proxy violence cdc however offered scant empirical evidence expert opinion justify use race even minimal level constitutional scrutiny presumption underlying policy undoubtedly overbroad cdc made effort prove fraction new transferred inmates members gangs shown generally interracial violence disproportionately greater intraracial violence prisons proclivity toward racial violence unquestionably varies inmate inmate yet cdc applies blunderbuss policy new transferred inmates housed double cells regardless criminal histories records previous incarceration cdc policy example two car thieves different races neither history gang involvement violence matter barred housed together first two months prison result derives cdc inflexible judgment integrated living conditions simply dangerous never countenanced racial prophylaxis establish link integrated cells violence cdc relies views two state corrections officials attested belief members different races lead violence violence spill prison yards one officials associate warden testified follows ith asian population control sergeants careful blacks whites hispanics example house japanese inmate chinese inmate kill wo even tell laotians vietnamese cambodians filipinos careful housing asians asians culturally heavy app musings inspire little confidence indeed comment supports suspicion policy based racial stereotypes outmoded fears dangers racial integration give credence cynical reflexive conclusions race see palmore sidoti classifying persons according race likely reflect racial prejudice legitimate public concerns race person dictates category watson memphis rejecting city plea delay desegregating public facilities neither asserted fears violence tumult asserted inability preserve peace demonstrated trial anything personal speculations vague disquietudes city officials real risk prejudice whether conscious partly underlies cdc policy counsels favor relaxing usual deference pay corrections officials matters instead insist hard evidence especially given california policy outlier compared nationwide practice federal bureau prisons administers institutions similar policy applied countless state penal institutions operated without policy amici brief filed six former state corrections officials aggregate years experience managing prison systems wisconsin georgia oklahoma kansas alaska washington makes clear blanket policy even temporary segregation runs counter great weight professional opinion sound prison management see brief former state corrections officials amici curiae tellingly cdc point two texas oklahoma use racial status assigning inmates prison reception areas doubtful record policies broad inflexible sweep california ultimately beside point important federal government vast majority address threat interracial violence prisons without resorting expedient segregation support policy cdc offers poignant evidence prisons infested violent gangs striking evidence involves series riots took place pelican bay state prison prison houses state violent criminal offenders including validated gang members transferred prisons riots involved interracial intraracial violence serious incident involving inmates southern hispanic gang members joined white inmates attacked number black inmates judicial role however requires scratch surface evidence lest sheer gravity threat allowed authorize policy justified name upon inspection cdc post hoc generalized evidence gang violence tenuously related segregation policy significantly cdc cited single specific incident interracial violence cellmates much less pattern violence prompted adoption unique policy years ago indication antagonism cellmates played role recent riots cdc mentions despite cdc focus prison gangs suggestion gangs recruit new inmates committing racial violence stays reception centers cdc cited evidence recruitment identified instances new inmates committed racial violence new inmates common areas yard cafeteria perhaps cdc evidence might provide basis arguing pelican bay facilities experienced similar riots measures justified properly tailored see lee washington black concurring even incidents cited cdc occurred general prison population relevant conditions reception centers provide support cdc decision apply segregation policy reception centers without regard center security level history racial violence incidents provide support policy applicable cellmates common areas prison disturbances occurred remain fully integrated given inherent indignity segregation shameful historical connotations one might assume cdc came policy last resort distressingly evidence cdc ever experimented even carefully considered methods achieving goals policy unwritten reflects think evident lack deliberation preceded creation specifically cdc failed explain alternative automatic segregation rely individualized assessment inmate risk violence assigning cell reception center federal bureau prisons state systems without apparent difficulty inmates transferred one facility another represent approximately subject segregation policy cdc simply examine prison records determine known gang affiliations ever engaged threatened racial violence example cdc opportunity observe petitioner almost years surely cdc determined placement without subjecting period new inmates assignments based presentence reports contain information offense conduct criminal record personal history including available information gang affiliations fact state law requires county probation officer transmit presentence report cdc along inmate commitment papers see cal penal code ann west cal rule criminal cases west supp despite rich information available records cdc considers records rarely assigning inmates cells reception centers cdc primary explanation administrative inefficiency records says simply arrive time cdc counsel conceded oral argument presentence reports fair amount information stated california presentence report always accompany inmate frequently follows period time later county tr oral arg despite requirement contrary counsel informed counties preparing presentence reports timely fashion ibid similarly regard transferees counsel stated prison records arrive reception centers time make cell assignments even inefficiencies might explain temporary expedient cases surely justify policy state interest administrative convenience pitted fourteenth amendment ban racial segregation latter must prevail serious good faith consideration workable alternatives achieve desired goal grutter bollinger obvious easy alternatives available turner conclusion cdc policy unconstitutional inescapable regardless standard review chooses fact cdc failure demand timely presentence reports prison records undercuts sincerity concern inmate security reception process race unreliable necessarily underinclusive predictor violence without information found records risk corrections officials example house together inmates race nevertheless members rival gangs bloods accordingly agree remand appropriate resolution issue qualified immunity respectfully dissent refusal decide basis record us cdc policy unconstitutional garrison johnson petitioner california et al writ certiorari appeals ninth circuit february justice thomas justice scalia joins dissenting questions presented case require us resolve two conflicting lines precedent one hand stresses said racial classifications reviewable equal protection clause must strictly scrutinized gratz bollinger emphasis added quoting adarand constructors pe less categorically said relaxed standard review adopted turner safley applies circumstances needs prison administration implicate constitutional rights washington harper emphasis added emphasizing former line cases majority resolves conflict favor strict scrutiny disagree constitution always demanded less within prison walls time even faced constitutional rights less fundamental right free racial discrimination deferred reasonable judgments officials experienced running nation prisons good reason deference case california oversees roughly inmates prisons breeding ground violent prison gangs america organized along racial lines atmosphere california racially segregates portion inmates part prisons brief periods days state arrange permanent housing majority concerned sparing inmates indignity stigma racial discrimination ante california concerned safety saving lives respectfully dissent understand case one must understand limited policy issue requires factual background opinion provides petitioner garrison johnson black inmate california department corrections cdc currently serving sentence murder robbery assault deadly weapon app johnson began serving sentence june california institution men chino california since time transferred number facilities within cdc inmate like johnson admitted california prison system transferred cdc institutions housed initially brief period usually days one california prison reception centers men cdc department operations manual hereinafter cdc operations manual available http internet materials visited available clerk case file centers processed newly admitted inmates almost inmates returned parole inmates admitted reasons portion inmates transferred one prison another california dept corrections movement prison population hereinafter movement prison population reception center prison officials limited information inmate particularly never housed cdc facility app inmate therefore classified prison officials place inmate appropriate permanent housing process cdc evaluates inmate physical mental emotional health ibid cdc also reviews inmate criminal history record jail assess security needs classification level finally cdc investigates whether inmate enemies prison ibid process determines inmate ultimate housing placement nothing race process underway cdc houses inmate cell cell dormitory single cells available reception centers reserved inmates present special security problems including convicted especially heinous crimes need protective custody see cdc operations manual end spectrum lower risk inmates assigned dormitories app placement either single cell dormitory nothing race except prison officials attempt maintain racial balance within dormitory inmates placed single cells dormitories lead fully integrated lives cdc distinguish based race facilities comes jobs meals yard recreation time vocational educational assignments ibid yet prisoners like johnson neither require confinement single cell may safely housed dormitory cdc houses prisoners double cells period pairing cellmates race indisputably predominant factor california reason simple prisons dominated violent gangs brief respondents largest gangs names indicate aryan brotherhood black guerrilla family mexican mafia nazi low riders la nuestra familia organized along racial lines see part infra according state housing inmates double cells without regard race threatens prison discipline also physical safety inmates staff app double cells especially dangerous risk racial violence public areas prisons high tightly confined private conditions cells hazard even violence prison staff see cells without going inmates cover windows prevent staff seeing inside cells risk violence caused privacy grave inmates confined cells much day ibid nevertheless race predominant factor pairing cellmates hardly one dividing subset inmates based race cdc divides based geographic national origin example hispanics northern southern california housed together reception centers often belong rival gangs la nuestra familia mexican mafia respectively likewise chinese japanese inmates housed together cambodians filipinos laotians vietnamese addition geographic national origin prison officials consider host factors including inmates age mental health medical needs criminal history gang affiliation instance johnson admitted member crips black street gang therefore ineligible housed nonblack inmates brief respondents moreover prison officials consider race assigning inmates double cells record shows inmates necessarily housed inmates race period hispanic inmate affiliated crips asked housed reception center black inmate example prison administrators granted request app requests routinely granted period prison officials complete classification process transfer inmate reception center permanent placement prison another ii traditionally federal courts rarely involved administration state prisons adopt ing broad attitude toward problems prison administration procunier martinez nation history citizens claim cover constitution upon conviction incarceration defendants forfeited constitutional rights possessed instead rights state chose extend see shaw murphy ruffin commonwealth recent decades however decided incarceration divest prisoners constitutional protections see wolff mcdonnell right due process cruz beto per curiam right free exercise religion time quickly recognized extension constitution demands behind prison walls accommodate needs prison administration reached accommodation turner safley adopted unitary deferential standard reviewing prisoners constitutional claims shaw supra standard govern johnson claims governed host claims challenging conditions confinement even restricting rights issue otherwise occasioned strict scrutiny turner standard cdc policy passes constitutional muster reasonably related legitimate penological interests well turner recognized experienced prison administrators judges best position supervise daily operations prisons across country see jones north carolina prisoners labor union courts must give appropriate deference decisions prison administrators procunier supra ourts ill equipped deal increasingly urgent problems prison administration reform turner made clear deferential standard review apply inmates constitutional challenges prison policies issue turner constitutionality pair missouri prison regulations limiting correspondence inmate marriages analysis proceeded two steps first recognized prisoners entirely without constitutional rights proof listed certain constitutional rights retained prisoners including right protected invidious racial discrimination lee washington turner second concluded prison administrators rather courts difficult judgments concerning institutional operations quoting jones supra courts uphold prison regulations impinge constitutional rights reasonably relate legitimate penological interests nowhere suggest lee right free racial discrimination immune turner deferential standard review contrary made quite clear standard review adopted turner applies circumstances needs prison administration implicate constitutional rights harper emphasis added consistent understanding applied turner standard host constitutional claims prisoners regardless standard review apply outside prison adhered turner despite urged adopt different standards review based constitutional provision issue see harper supra turner standard review appl ies cases prisoner asserts prison regulation violates constitution prisoner invokes first amendment emphasis added estate shabazz take opportunity reaffirm refusal even claims made first amendment substitute judgment difficult sensitive matters institutional administration determinations charged formidable task running prison internal quotation marks citation omitted emphasis added steadfast adherence makes sense turner accommodation constitution demands prison administration see supra apply uniformly prisoners challenges conditions confinement johnson claims even claims applied turner test implicate turner rationale fact passage bears repeating turner explained precisely deference judgments california prison officials necessary subjecting judgments prison officials inflexible strict scrutiny analysis seriously hamper ability anticipate security problems adopt innovative solutions intractable problems prison administration rule also distort decisionmaking process every administrative judgment subject possibility somewhere conclude less restrictive way solving problem hand courts inevitably become primary arbiters constitutes best solution every administrative problem thereby unnecessarily perpetuating involvement federal courts affairs prison administration internal quotation marks alteration omitted majority failure heed advice inexplicable especially since turner recognized growing problem prison gangs fact intractable problem inside america prisons racial violence driven prison gangs see dawson delaware thomas dissenting stefanow mcfadden anyone familiar prisons understands seriousness problems caused prison gangs fueled actively virulent racism religious bigotry majority decides case without addressing problems racial violence poses wardens guards inmates throughout federal state prison systems core california justification policy maintains racially separate new cellmates thrown together close confines initial admission transfer violence erupt dangers california seeks prevent real see brief national association black law enforcement officers amicus curiae controlling prison gangs central challenge facing correctional cers administrators carlson prison interventions evolving strategies control security threat groups corrections mgmt winter hereinafter carlson worst gangs highly regimented sophisticated organizations commit crimes ing drug trafficking theft murder california dept justice division law forcement organized crime california annual report california legislature available http fact street gangs often extension prison gangs foot soldiers outside ibid willens structure content exigencies war american prison law years rev gang membership rise percentage prisoners affiliated prison gangs doubled problem prison gangs unique california history like least five major gangs country aryan brotherhood black guerrilla family mexican mafia la nuestra familia texas syndicate originated california unsurprisingly california largest number inmates correctional system country including federal government carlson names suggest prison gangs like aryan brotherhood black guerrilla family organize along racial lines gangs perpetuate hate violence irwin interracial murders assaults among inmates perpetrated gangs brutality particularly severe california prisons see walker gomez describing history significant racial tension violence calipatria state prison rymer dissenting app describing span pelican bay prison fewer nine major riots left least one inmate dead many wounded backdrop pervasive racial violence california racially segregates inmates reception centers double cells brief periods days time state assign permanent housing viewed context light four factors enunciated turner california policy constitutional cdc policy reasonably related legitimate penological interest alternative means exercising restricted right remain open inmates racially integrating double cells might negatively impact prison inmates staff administrators obvious easy alternatives cdc policy first policy reasonably related legitimate penological interest turner evidence shows johnson never contested objective california policy reducing violence among inmates staff cells designated special privileges afforded racial group app prison administrators use race factor making initial housing assignments solely basis potential implications prison security cdc cell assignment practice neutral thornburgh abbott turner supra california policy bears valid rational connection interest racial component prison violence impossible prison administrators ignore johnson testified afraid violence based solely color combating violence inmate arrival transfer new prison setting critical time inmate staff alike policy protects inmate prisoners prison officials gather information including gang affiliation compatibility inmates app connection racial violence policy makes far arbitrary irrational turner supra indeed johnson concedes perfectly constitutional california take account race part overall analysis proclivity violence based upon series facts existing prison tr oral arg precisely california takes account host factors addition race geographic national origin age physical size mental health medical needs criminal history course gang affiliation supra california simply assign inmates double cells reception centers based race also separates intraracially example northern southern hispanics violent nonviolent offenders second alternative means exercising restricted right remain open inmates like johnson turner supra cdc submits johnson contest facets prison life fully integrated work vocational educational assignments dining halls exercise yards recreational facilities app brief detention period reception center inmates may select cellmates regardless race absence overriding security concerns simply put johnson spent continue spend vast bulk sentence free limitation race cellmate third johnson fails establish accommodation seeks assigning inmates double cells without regard race significantly impact prison personnel inmates allocation prison resources harper turner supra prison staff see double cells without going inmates cover windows staff see inside cells app limited number staff oversee many cells difficult assist inmates staff needed several places one time ibid coordinated gang attacks nongang cellmates leave prison officials unable respond effectively event diverting prison resources monitor cells disrupts services elsewhere fights cells likely spill exercise yards common areas ibid see also turner made clear accommodation asserted right significant effect fellow inmates prison staff courts particularly deferential informed discretion corrections officials see also white morris supp sd ohio racially integrated double celling contributed race riot people murdered california prison officials view racially integrating double cells reception centers lead serious precisely sort testimony found persuasive turner turner supra finally johnson shown obvious easy alternatives cdc policy turner supra johnson contends newly admitted inmates prison officials need look information available presentence report must accompany convict prison see cal penal code ann west cal rules criminal cases rule west prison officials already extent indeed gang affiliation race first factor determining initial housing assignments app race becomes predominant factor gang affiliation often known especially regard newly admitted inmates appeals pointed little chance inmates forthcoming past violent episodes criminal gang activity provide accurate dependable picture inmate see also app even cdc manpower resources prescreen new inmates receives yearly leafing presentence reports tell prison officials need know see ante stevens dissenting johnson presents closer case regard segregation prisoners cdc transfers facilities understand california less need segregate prisoners already knows great deal since undergone initial classification process housed period time however inevitably mean racially integrating transferred inmates obvious easy true alternative instance inmate may affiliated gang since cdc last official assessment past lack racial violence may due absence close confinement members races cdc policy appear arise laziness neglect california leader institutional see carlson cdc devotes intelligence staff gathering verifying information prisons streets short applying policy transfers arbitrary irrational requiring set aside considered contrary judgment prison administrators turner supra iii majority claims strict scrutiny applicable standard review based precedents general skepticism racial classifications wrong scores lee washington per curiam considered constitutionality racial classifications prisons majority claims lee applied heightened standard review ante lee address applicable standard review even bore standard review lee support state lee district ordered alabama desegregate prisons brown board education washington lee supp md district rejected notion consideration prison security discipline justified complete permanent segregation races alabama penal facilities however district noted isolated instances prison security discipline necessitates segregation races limited period ibid omitted provided one example used large municipal jails intoxicated persons placed upon initial incarceration kept become sober left unmentioned necessary separate drunk whites blacks birmingham saturday night per curiam opinion affirmed district order found unexceptionable district general rule wholesale segregation penal facilities unconstitutional also district allowance necessities prison security discipline lee indeed justices black harlan stewart concurred make explicit something left gathered implication opinion prison authorities right acting good faith particularized circumstances take account racial tensions maintaining security discipline good order prisons jails ibid emphasis added justices unwilling assume explicit pronouncement evinc dilution firm commitment fourteenth amendment prohibition racial discrimination ibid lee said nothing applicable standard review need surely alabama wholesale segregation prisons unconstitutional even deferential standard review applies within prisons brief per curiam opinion lee simply bear weight interpretation majority places see bancorp mortgage bonner mall partnership noting customary skepticism toward per curiam dispositions lack reasoned consideration full opinion edelman jordan yet even lee announced heightened standard review prison policies pertain race lee also carved exception standard california policy certainly satisfy lee concurrence explained without objection exception necessities prison security discipline meant prison authorities right acting good faith particularized circumstances take account racial tensions maintaining security discipline good order prisons jails lee supra opinion black harlan stewart concurring emphasis added california policy far cry wholesale segregation issue lee fall squarely within lee exception johnson never argued california policy motivated anything desire protect inmates staff particularized nature policy evident applies new inmates transfers handful prisons double cells period two months name following test lee create majority opts demanding standard review lee language even arguably supports majority heavily relies statement racial classifications imposed government must analyzed reviewing strict scrutiny ante quoting adarand constructors thomas concurring part dissenting part none statements overruled sub silentio turner progeny especially since repeatedly held constitutional demands diminished unique context prisons see harper questions merely lurk record neither brought attention ruled upon considered decided constitute precedents majority offers various reasons applying strict scrutiny none persuasive majority main reason turner test applies rights proper incarceration ante quoting overton bazzetta according majority question thus whether right need necessarily compromised sake proper prison administration ante test begs question heart case know whether particular right inconsistent proper prison administration must implicit notion proper prison look like administered overton supra thomas concurring judgment issue case whether permissible majority test eviscerates turner inquiring whether given right consistent proper prison administration calls precisely sort judgments turner said courts ill equipped make none cases deferred judgments prison officials turner examine whether proper prison security discipline permitted greater speech associational rights abbott supra shaw overton supra expanded access courts lewis casey broader freedom bodily restraint harper supra additional free exercise rights steadfastly refused undertake threshold inquiry turner settled majority today resurrects good reason turner pointed judgments better left first instance officials run nation prisons judges run courts place usual deference majority gives conclusive force guesswork proper prison administration hypothesizes california policy might incite rather diminish racial ante see also ante stevens dissenting majority speculations implausible new arrivals strong interest promptly convincing inmates willingness use violent force see brief national association black law enforcement officers amicus curiae citing commentary congressional findings cf santiago describing one hispanic inmate murder another order join mexican mafia silverstein prospective members aryan brotherhood must make bones commit murder eligible membership event majority guesswork falls far short compelling showing needed overcome deference owe prison administrators majority contends put burden state actors demonstrate policies justified ante refused defer state officials judgments race areas officials traditionally exercise substantial discretion ante yet two terms ago upholding university michigan law school program deferred judgment law school faculty administrators need diversity student body see grutter supra law school educational judgment diversity essential educational mission one defer deference seem warranted prison context whatever knows administering educational institutions knows much less administering penal ones potential consequences judgments prison administrators also much severe see white morris supp sd ohio racially integrated double celling resulted federal consent decree factor worst prison riot ohio history important explained recognized typically exacting review applies restrictions fundamental rights must relaxed unique context prisons see harper supra abbott turner majority fall back constitution usual demands demands always lessened inside prison walls see supra majority also mentions california policy may one kind virtually federal government manage prison systems without racially segregating inmates ante irrelevant doubtful irrelevant number followed california lead matters applicable standard review issue today decides whether california satisfies whatever standard applies question majority leaves addressed remand words uniqueness california policy might show whether policy reasonable narrowly tailored deciding whether apply turner strict scrutiny first instance must depend something else like majority test commonness california housing policy irrelevant strict scrutiny applies claims racial discrimination prisons regardless whether policies challenged unusual majority assertion doubtful least two apply similar policies newly admitted inmates oklahoma texas like california assign newly admitted inmates racially segregated cells prison reception similarity surprising like california texas historically severe problems prison gangs however even less severe problems maintain policies like california necessary deal prison violence see brief utah alabama alaska delaware idaho nevada new hampshire north dakota amici curiae relatedly wardens maximum security facilities report inmates assigned racially segregated cells apparently permanent basis henderson cullen carroll feinberg race rights order prison national survey wardens racial integration prison cells prison survey wardens report official policy racially integrating male inmates cells presumably remainder prisons inmates assigned racially segregated cells policy result discretionary decisions wardens rather official state directives ibid event ongoing debate best way reduce racial violence prisons resolved judicial decree job prison administrators courts make difficult judgments concerning institutional operations jones majority also observes already carved exception turner eighth amendment claims cruel unusual punishment prison see hope pelzer context held prison official indifference substantial risk serious harm inmate violates eighth amendment farmer brennan setting aside whether claims challenging inmates conditions confinement cognizable eighth amendment see hudson mcmillian thomas dissenting deliberate indifference standard bolster majority argument anything standard deferential judgments prison administrators turner test subjects prison officials liability subjectively aware risk inmate fail take reasonable measures abate risk farmer supra certainly demonstrate wisdom exception imposes heightened standard review actions prison officials moreover majority decision subjects prison officials competing perhaps conflicting demands case california prison officials uniformly averred random poses substantial risk serious harm celled inmates app california assigned inmates double cells without regard race knowing full well violence might result seem definition deliberate indifference see robinson prunty prisoner alleged eighth amendment violation administrators failed consider race releasing inmates yards jensen clarke held random double celling prison officials constituted deliberate indifference affirmed injunction attorney fees awarded officials victimized inmate need prove prison officials anticipated particular attack sufficient prison officials ignored dangerous condition chronic ongoing like interracial housing closely confined quarters within prisons dominated racial gangs farmer supra farmer prison officials ordered take account thing may turn blind eye inmates race finally majority presents parade horribles designed show applying turner standard grant prison officials unbounded discretion segregate inmates throughout prisons see ante never treated turner blank check prison officials quite contrary long confidence reasonableness standard toothless abbott internal quotation marks omitted california prison officials segregate double cells cells particularly difficult monitor unlike dining halls yards general housing areas ante california policy narrow state might well means disposal capable accommodating prisoners rights without sacrificing safety see turner majority say turner standard ably polices constitutional infirmities racial discrimination event refusal apply first time ever strict standard review prison context fundamentally odds constitutional jurisprudence ante instead majority refusal first time ever defer expert judgment prison officials iv even strict scrutiny analysis possible even likely prison officials show current policy meets test ferguson joined pregerson nelson reinhardt dissenting denial rehearing en banc johnson concedes compelling interest maintaining order internal security within prisons see reply brief petitioner see also procunier thus question remand whether cdc policy narrowly tailored serve california compelling dissent notes absence evidence question see ante opinion stevens hardly california fault outset johnson alleged terms taken turner cdc policy related legitimate penological interest johnson california discussing johnson third amended complaint reinstating johnson equal protection claim following district dismissal appeals repeated johnson allegation without indicating strict scrutiny apply remand district ibid remand johnson alleged cdc policy reasonably related legitimate penological interests cdc app fourth amended complaint district granted qualified immunity defendants johnson appealed brief appeals johnson assumed lee turner applied without arguing tension indeed nowhere brief johnson even mention words strict scrutiny brief appellant pp wl perhaps result appeals discuss strict scrutiny second decision one currently appeals find tension lee turner however resolved tension turner favor yet appeals accepted lee test face value prison officials may make racial classifications good faith particularized circumstances appeals like johnson equate lee test strict scrutiny fact mentioned strict scrutiny quoted portion turner rejects strict scrutiny proper standard review prison context even johnson make leap equating lee strict scrutiny requested appeals rehear case appellant petition panel rehearing suggestion rehearing en banc pp leap first made judges dissented appeals denial rehearing en banc ferguson joined pregerson nelson reinhardt dissenting denial rehearing en banc thus california close discovery subject stringent standard reason anticipate johnson pleadings appeals initial decision even appeals decision circumstances california allowed present evidence narrow tailoring evidence never obligated present either appearance district see lucas south carolina coastal council remanding consideration correct legal standard kennedy concurring judgment although establish framework remand decide ultimate constitutional question facts necessary determination developed record petitioner garrison johnson challenges permanent temporary segregation portion california prisons years johnson incarcerated california assigned cellmate race year probably like four months johnson black cellmates years choice nothing record demonstrates johnson prisoner requested housed person different race denied though johnson gang affiliation crips might stand way moreover johnson concedes california prisons racially violent places lives fear attacked race perhaps remand cdc policy survive strict scrutiny event johnson may well pyrrhic victory footnotes justice thomas takes approach racial classifications prisons suggesting compelling showing needed overcome deference owe prison administrators post dissenting opinion deference fundamentally odds equal protection jurisprudence put burden state actors demonstrate policies justified though justice thomas points see post inmates reception centers oklahoma texas generally assigned randomly racially integrated cells also case inmates precluded integrated cell assignments oklahoma dept corrections policies procedures operations memorandum inmate housing available http visited available clerk case file texas dept criminal justice security memorandum assignment general population cells june see also brief former state corrections officials amici curiae extent race considered assignment calculus oklahoma appears one factor among many result individualized consideration given inmates therefore way knowing whether practice inmates oklahoma texas like california close chance app pet cert celled person different race see also brief former state corrections officials amici curiae aware state california assumes every incoming prisoner incapable getting along cell mate different race aware state california acted assumption adopting inflexible absolute policy racial segregation double cells reception centers justice thomas characterizes cdc policy limited one see post cdc policy fact sweeping application applies prisoners housed double cells reception centers whether newly admitted transferred one facility another moreover despite justice thomas suggestion cdc considers nonracial factors determining housing placements cdc admitted practice retty zero percent chance inmate housed person different race app pet cert see also generally post stevens dissenting thus despite inmate age physical size mental health medical needs criminal history post thomas dissenting fact black categorically precludes celled white inmate explain see infra decide whether threat violence california prisons sufficient justify broad policy footnotes cdc operates prisons house reception centers new inmates inmates transferring prisons funneled one reception centers permanently placed centers inmates housed either dormitories double cells single cells cdc segregation policy race determinative factor placing inmates double cells regardless factors considered decisions corrections official years experience testified exception policy granted hispanic inmate raised crips app cdc suggestion policy therefore flexible see brief respondents strains credulity evidence cdc routinely allows inmates segregation much less evidence cdc informs inmates supposed right explaining prescreen new inmates cdc brief concedes segregating transferred inmates unnecessary see brief respondents officials necessary information assess inmates violence potential inmates arrived perhaps different practice used unlike federal system inmates generally federal custody moment arrested state inmates county custody convicted later transferred custody cdc turner factors boil tailoring test conclude cdc policy best exaggerated response asserted security concerns see turner safley find unnecessary address specifically factors whether new transferred inmates alternative means exercising right equal protection period housing segregation indeed case demonstrates ow describes standard review prison regulation infringes fundamental constitutional rights often far less consequences inmates actual showing demands state order uphold regulation stevens concurring part dissenting part cdc policy may counterproductive ways example official policy segregation may initiate new arrivals corrosive culture prison racial segregation lending credence view members races feared racial alliances necessary integrated cells encourage inmates gain valuable experiences segregated cells may well facilitate formation gangs see brief former state corrections officials amici curiae citing evidence experience suggesting racial integration cells balance decreases interracial violence footnotes johnson never requested initial admittance subsequent transfers present incarceration housed person different race app according johnson considered policy barrier request however johnson also testified never filed grievance prison officials segregation policy neither parties majority discusses whether johnson exhausted action rev stat required prison litigation reform act plra stat amended see booth churner majority thus assumes statutorily mandated exhaustion jurisdictional california waived issue failing raise see richardson goord perez wisconsin dept corrections majority refers approach one accord deference judgments state prison officials see ante label historically inaccurate approach taken prior federal courts generally declined consider merits prisoners claims see fliter prisoners rights evolving standards decency feeley rubin judicial policy making modern state krantz branham cases materials law sentencing corrections prisoners rights ed prisoner may entirely surrender constitutional rights prison gates bell wolfish jones north carolina prisoners labor union certainly leaves liberties behind prisoner makes constitutional claim initial question whether prisoner possesses right issue whether instead prisoner divested right condition conviction confinement see overton bazzetta thomas concurring judgment coffin reichard see overton supra right association first fourteenth amendments shaw murphy right communicate fellow inmates first amendment lewis casey right access courts due process equal protection clauses washington harper right refuse forced medication due process clause thornburgh abbott right receive correspondence first amendment estate shabazz right free exercise religion first amendment see national gang crime research center national assessment gangs security threat groups stgs adult correctional institutions results adult corrections survey http see fraise terhune describing violence caused single black prison gang five percent nation various new jersey correctional facilities conroy dingle civ wl describing rival racial gangs minnesota moose lake facility medium security prison see prison gangs special needs offender bulletin federal judicial center see also irwin prisons turmoil hereinafter irwin describing establishment rise gangs inside california prison system first mexican mafia followed la nuestra familia aryan brotherhood black guerrilla family shryock detailing rise mexican mafia inside california prison system see describing host murders attempted murders handful mexican mafia members silverstein describing murder black inmate members aryan brotherhood state kell utah describing fatal stabbing black inmate two white supremacists state farmer en banc ing murder black inmate members recruits aryan brotherhood specifically johnson testified incarcerated calipatria major riot broke mexican black inmates stayed involved four facilities facility went major riot lot people got hurt injured based skin color black hurt app emphasis added see cambra declaration race disregarded entirely however certain based upon experience cdc prisoners fights cells problems emanate onto prison yards schulteis declaration disregard initial housing placement according race certain serious violence among inmates worked five different cdc institutions true majority sole empirical support speculation study texas prison desegregation found rate violence higher racially segregated double cells ante citing trulson marquart caged melting pot toward understanding consequences desegregation prisons law soc rev however study authors specifically note texas like california integrate initial diagnostic facilities transfer facilities see thus study says nothing violence likely result integrating cells inmates thrown together brief periods admittance transfer study say texas time gather information make permanent housing assignments racially integrated cells may preferred option california leaves open door inmates generally free room whomever like permanent basis see oklahoma dept corrections policies procedures operations memorandum inmate housing upon arrival assessment reception center reasons safety security newly received inmates generally assigned randomly racially integrated cells available http texas dept criminal justice security memorandum assignment general population cells june upon arrival reception diagnostic center reasons safety security offenders generally assigned randomly racially integrated cells due fact specific information needed assess offender criminal victimization history available diagnostic processing completed majority account deference judgments prison officials application strict scrutiny presumably warranted account special circumstances prisons present ante see grutter bollinger although disagree deference normally appropriate scrutinizing racial classifications logic majority qualification case constitution demands always diminished prison context see harper appeals cited turner lee washington per curiam proposition certain constitutional protections among protection racial discrimination extend prison setting however appeals discuss applicable standard review attempt resolve tension turner lee majority finds