bob jones university argued october decided may together goldsboro christian schools also certiorari section internal revenue code irc provides orporations organized operated exclusively religious charitable educational purposes entitled tax exemption internal revenue service irs granted status private schools independent racial admissions policies granted charitable deductions contributions schools irc irs concluded longer justify allowing status private schools practiced racial discrimination issued revenue ruling providing private school racially nondiscriminatory policy students charitable within concepts reflected petitioner bob jones university permitting unmarried negroes enroll students denies admission applicants engaged interracial marriage known advocate interracial marriage dating admissions policy irs revoked university status paying portion federal unemployment taxes certain taxable year university filed refund action federal district government counterclaimed unpaid taxes taxable years holding irs exceeded powers revoking university status violated university rights religion clauses first amendment district ordered irs refund taxes paid rejected counterclaim appeals reversed petitioner goldsboro christian schools maintains racially discriminatory admissions policy based upon interpretation bible accepting part caucasian students irs determined goldsboro organization described hence required pay federal social security unemployment taxes paying portion taxes certain years goldsboro filed refund suit federal district irs counterclaimed unpaid taxes district entered summary judgment irs rejecting goldsboro claim status also claim denial status violated religion clauses first amendment appeals affirmed held neither petitioner qualifies organization pp examination irc framework background congressional purposes reveals unmistakable evidence underlying relevant parts irc intent entitlement tax exemption depends meeting certain standards charity namely institution seeking status must serve public purpose contrary established public policy thus warrant exemption institution must fall within category specified section must demonstrably serve harmony public interest institution purpose must odds common community conscience undermine public benefit might otherwise conferred pp irs interpretation correct wholly incompatible concepts underlying tax exemption grant status racially discriminatory private educational entities whatever may rationale private schools policies racial discrimination education contrary public policy racially discriminatory educational institutions viewed conferring public benefit within charitable concept within congressional intent underlying pp irs exceed authority announced interpretation interpretation wholly consistent congress executive courts previously declared actions congress since leave doubt irs reached correct conclusion exercising authority pp government fundamental overriding interest eradicating racial discrimination education substantially outweighs whatever burden denial tax benefits places petitioners exercise religious beliefs petitioners asserted interests accommodated compelling governmental interest less restrictive means available achieve governmental interest pp irs properly applied policy petitioners goldsboro admits maintains racially discriminatory policies contrary bob jones university contention racially discriminatory discrimination basis racial affiliation association form racial discrimination burger delivered opinion brennan white marshall blackmun stevens joined part iii powell joined powell filed opinion concurring part concurring judgment post rehnquist filed dissenting opinion post william mcnairy argued cause petitioner briefs claude pierce edward winslow john small william bentley ball argued cause petitioner briefs philip murren richard connell assistant attorney general reynolds argued cause cases briefs acting solicitor general wallace deputy assistant attorney general cooper william coleman pro se invitation argued cause amicus curiae urging affirmance brief richard warmer donald bliss john stamper ira feinberg eric fn briefs amici curiae urging reversal filed earl trent john baker american baptist churches et al william ellis center law religious freedom christian legal society forest montgomery national association evangelicals congressman trent lott pro se briefs amici curiae urging affirmance cases filed nadine strossen richard larson samuel rabinove american civil liberties union et al harold weinberger lawrence robbins justin finger jeffrey sinensky david raim league john pickering william lake adam yarmolinsky independent sector amy david carliner burt neuborne harry inman international human rights law group robert kapp walter smith joseph hassett david tatel richard dinkelspiel william robinson norman chachkin frank parker lawyers committee civil rights law thomas atkins harold flannery robert goldstein national association advancement colored people et al leon silverman linda blumkin ann thomas marla simpson jack greenberg naacp legal defense educational fund harry mansfield national association independent schools charles daye north carolina association black lawyers earle moore church christ lawrence lewy pro se briefs amici curiae cases filed martin cowan dennis rapps national jewish commission law public affairs laurence tribe pro se bernard wolfman pro se chief justice burger delivered opinion granted certiorari decide whether petitioners nonprofit private schools prescribe enforce racially discriminatory admissions standards basis religious doctrine qualify organizations internal revenue code internal revenue service granted status private schools without regard racial admissions policies internal revenue code granted charitable deductions contributions schools code january district district columbia issued preliminary injunction prohibiting irs according status private schools mississippi discriminated admissions basis race green kennedy supp appeal dism sub nom cannon green thereafter july irs concluded longer legally justify allowing status private schools practice racial discrimination irs news release july reprinted app time irs announced treat gifts schools charitable deductions income tax purposes ibid letter dated november irs formally notified private schools including involved litigation change policy applicable private schools levels education see june district issued opinion merits mississippi challenge green connally supp summarily aff sub nom coit green approved irs amended construction tax code also held racially discriminatory private schools entitled exemption donors entitled deductions contributions schools permanently enjoined commissioner internal revenue approving status school mississippi publicly maintain policy nondiscrimination revised policy discrimination formalized revenue ruling cum bull courts internal revenue service long recognized statutory requirement organized operated exclusively religious charitable educational purposes intended express basic common law concept charity charitable trusts educational otherwise subject requirement purpose trust may illegal contrary public policy application irs construction provisions petitioners two private schools racially discriminatory admissions policies us bob jones university bob jones university nonprofit corporation located greenville purpose conduct institution learning giving special emphasis christian religion ethics revealed holy scriptures certificate incorporation bob jones university greenville reprinted app corporation operates school enrollment approximately students kindergarten college graduate school bob jones university affiliated religious denomination dedicated teaching propagation fundamentalist christian religious beliefs religious educational institution teachers required devout christians courses university taught according bible entering students screened religious beliefs public private conduct strictly regulated standards promulgated university authorities sponsors university genuinely believe bible forbids interracial dating marriage effectuate views negroes completely excluded may university accepted applications unmarried negroes accept applications negroes married within race following decision appeals fourth circuit mccrary runyon aff prohibiting racial exclusion private schools university revised policy since may university permitted unmarried negroes enroll disciplinary rule prohibits interracial dating marriage rule reads interracial dating students partners interracial marriage expelled students members affiliated group organization holds one goals advocates interracial marriage expelled students date outside race expelled students espouse promote encourage others violate university dating rules regulations expelled app irs extended status bob jones university letter november followed injunction issued green kennedy supp dc irs formally notified university change irs policy announced intention challenge status private schools practicing racial discrimination admissions policies failing obtain assurance tax exemption administrative means university instituted action seeking enjoin irs revoking school status suit culminated bob jones university simon held act internal revenue code prohibited university obtaining judicial review way injunctive action assessment collection tax thereafter april irs notified university proposed revocation status january irs officially revoked university status effective december day university formally notified change irs policy university subsequently filed returns federal unemployment tax act period december december paid tax totalling one employee calendar year request refund denied university instituted present action seeking recover paid irs government counterclaimed unpaid federal unemployment taxes taxable years amount plus interest district district south carolina held revocation university status exceeded delegated powers irs improper irs rulings procedures violated university rights religion clauses first amendment supp accordingly ordered irs pay university refund claimed rejected irs counterclaim appeals fourth circuit divided opinion reversed citing green connally supp dc approval appeals concluded must read background charitable trust law eligible exemption section institution must charitable sense therefore must contrary public policy view bob jones university meet requirement since racial policies violated clearly defined public policy rooted constitution condemning racial discrimination specifically government policy subsidizing racial discrimination education public private held irs acted within statutory authority revoking university status finally appeals rejected petitioner arguments revocation tax exemption violated free exercise establishment clauses first amendment case remanded district instructions dismiss university claim refund reinstate irs counterclaim goldsboro christian schools goldsboro christian schools nonprofit corporation located goldsboro like bob jones university established conduct institution institutions learning giving special emphasis christian religion ethics revealed holy scriptures articles incorporation see complaint reprinted app pp school offers classes kindergarten high school since least satisfied state north carolina requirements secular education private schools school requires high school students take courses begins class prayer since incorporation goldsboro christian schools maintained racially discriminatory admissions policy based upon interpretation bible goldsboro part accepted caucasians occasion however school accepted children racially mixed marriages one parents caucasian goldsboro never received determination irs organization entitled tax exemption upon audit goldsboro records years irs determined goldsboro organization described therefore required pay taxes federal insurance contribution act federal unemployment tax act goldsboro paid irs withholding social security unemployment taxes respect one employee years thereafter goldsboro filed suit seeking refund payment claiming school improperly denied exempt status irs counterclaimed unpaid social security unemployment taxes years including interest penalties district eastern district north carolina decided action summary judgment supp addressing motions summary judgment assumed goldsboro racially discriminatory admissions policy based upon sincerely held religious belief nevertheless rejected goldsboro claim status finding private schools maintaining racially discriminatory admissions policies violate clearly declared federal policy therefore must denied federal tax benefits flowing qualification section also rejected goldsboro arguments denial status violated free exercise establishment clauses first amendment accordingly entered summary judgment irs counterclaim appeals fourth circuit affirmed per curiam found identity present purposes goldsboro case bob jones university case decided shortly another panel affirmed reasons set forth bob jones university granted certiorari cases affirm ii revenue ruling irs formalized policy first announced embrace charity concept view qualify tax exemption pursuant institution must show first falls within one eight categories expressly set forth section second activity contrary settled public policy section provides orporations organized operated exclusively religious charitable educational purposes entitled tax exemption petitioners argue plain language statute guarantees status emphasize absence language statute expressly requiring exempt organizations charitable sense contend disjunctive separating categories precludes reading instead argue institution falls within one specified categories automatically entitled exemption without regard whether also qualifies charitable appeals rejected contention concluded petitioners interpretation statute tears section roots canon statutory construction go beyond literal language statute reliance language defeat plain purpose statute general words used clause taken literally construed without regard object view seem sanction claim plaintiff mode expounding statute never adopted enlightened tribunal evident many cases defeat object legislature intended accomplish well settled interpreting statute look merely particular clause general words may used take connection whole statute objects policy law brown duchesne emphasis added charitable concept appears explicitly code section contains list organizations virtually identical contained apparent congress intended list meaning sections congress used list organizations defining term charitable contributions face therefore reveals congress intention provide tax benefits organizations serving charitable purposes form simply makes plain common sense history tell us enacting congress sought provide tax benefits charitable organizations encourage development private institutions serve useful public purpose supplement take place public institutions kind tax exemptions certain institutions thought beneficial social order country whole particular community deeply rooted history england origins exemptions lie special privileges long extended charitable trusts century ago announced caveat critical case become established principle american law courts chancery sustain protect gift public charitable uses provided consistent local laws public policy perin carey emphasis added charitable use neither law public policy forbids may applied almost thing tends promote social man ould washington hospital foundlings emphasis added charity legal sense comprises four principal divisions trusts relief poverty trusts advancement education trusts advancement religion trusts purposes beneficial community falling preceding heads commissioners pemsel emphasis added little floor debate occurred charitable exemption provision act similar sections later statutes leaves doubt congress deemed specified organizations entitled tax benefits served desirable public purposes see cong rec floor debate similar provision example senator hollis articulated rationale every dollar man contributes public charities educational scientific otherwise public gets per cent cong rec evidently exemption made recognition benefit public derives corporate activities class named intended aid conducted private gain trinidad sagrada orden exemption taxation money property devoted charitable purposes based upon theory government compensated loss revenue relief financial burdens otherwise met appropriations public funds benefits resulting promotion general welfare government grants exemptions allows deductions taxpayers affected fact exemption deduction donor means taxpayers said indirect vicarious donors charitable exemptions justified basis exempt entity confers public benefit benefit society community may choose able provide supplements advances work public institutions already supported tax revenues history buttresses logic make clear warrant exemption institution must fall within category specified section must demonstrably serve harmony public interest institution purpose must odds common community conscience undermine public benefit might otherwise conferred bound approach questions full awareness determinations public benefit public policy sensitive matters serious implications institutions affected declaration given institution charitable made doubt activity involved contrary fundamental public policy longer doubt racial discrimination education violates deeply widely accepted views elementary justice prior public education many places still conducted pall plessy ferguson racial segregation primary secondary education prevailed many parts country see segregation fourteenth amendment reams wilson eds decision brown board education signalled end era past quarter century every pronouncement myriad acts congress executive orders attest firm national policy prohibit racial segregation discrimination public education unbroken line cases following brown board education establishes beyond doubt view racial discrimination education violates fundamental national public policy well rights individuals right student segregated racial grounds schools indeed fundamental pervasive embraced concept due process law cooper aaron private school even one discriminates fulfills important educational function however legitimate educational function isolated discriminatory practices iscriminatory treatment exerts pervasive influence entire educational process emphasis added congress titles iv vi civil rights act pub stat clearly expressed agreement racial discrimination education violates fundamental public policy sections act numerous enactments since testify public policy racial discrimination see voting rights act pub stat et seq ed supp title viii civil rights act pub stat et seq ed supp emergency school aid act pub stat repealed effective replaced similar provisions emergency school aid act pub stat supp executive branch consistently placed support behind eradication racial discrimination several years decision brown board education supra president truman issued executive orders prohibiting racial discrimination federal employment decisions exec order cfr comp classifications selective service exec order cfr president eisenhower employed military forces ensure compliance federal standards school desegregation programs exec order cfr president kennedy announced granting federal assistance housing related facilities americans excluded race color creed national origin unfair unjust inconsistent public policy manifested constitution laws exec order cfr social political issues history vigorously debated extensively ventilated issue racial discrimination particularly education given stress anguish history efforts escape shackles separate equal doctrine plessy ferguson said educational institutions whatever reasons practice racial discrimination institutions exercising beneficial stabilizing influences community life walz tax encouraged taxpayers share support way special tax status thus question interpretation announced irs correct may seen belated undermine soundness wholly incompatible concepts underlying tax exemption grant benefit status racially discriminatory educational entities exer pervasive influence entire educational process norwood harrison supra whatever may rationale private schools policies however sincere rationale may racial discrimination education contrary public policy racially discriminatory educational institutions viewed conferring public benefit within charitable concept discussed earlier within congressional intent underlying petitioners contend regardless whether irs properly concluded racially discriminatory private schools violate public policy congress alter scope petitioners accordingly argue irs overstepped lawful bounds issuing rulings yet ever since inception tax code congress seen fit vest administering tax laws broad authority interpret laws area complex tax system agency congress vests administrative responsibility must able exercise authority meet changing conditions new problems indeed early congress expressly authorized commissioner make needful rules regulations enforcement tax laws revenue act ch stat provision essential efficient fair administration tax laws appeared tax codes ever since see long recognized primary authority irs predecessors construing internal revenue code see commissioner portland cement utah correll boske comingore congress source irs authority modify irs rulings considers improper courts exercise review irs actions first instance however responsibility construing code falls irs since congress expected anticipate every conceivable problem arise carry oversight relies administrators courts implement legislative administrators like judges oath congress identified categories traditionally exempt institutions specified certain additional requirements tax exemption yet need continuing interpretation statutes unavoidable years irs predecessors constantly called upon interpret comparable provisions referred consistently principles charitable trust law treas regs art example irs predecessor denied charitable exemptions basis proscribed political activity congress added conduct disqualifying element instances irs denied charitable exemptions otherwise qualified entities served limited class people thus provide truly public benefit test see crellin commissioner james sprunt benevolent trust commissioner see also treas reg ii years issuance rulings challenged cases irs also ruled contributions community recreational facilities deductible facilities entitled status unless facilities open racially nondiscriminatory basis see rev rul cum bull rulings reflect commissioner continuing duty interpret apply internal revenue code see also textile mills securities commissioner guided course code irs responsibility first instance determine whether particular entity charitable purposes turn may necessitate later determinations whether given activities violate public policy entities involved deemed provide public benefit worthy charitable status emphasize however sensitive determinations made doubt organization activities violate fundamental public policy record us doubt national policy irs first issued ruling challenged position three branches federal government unmistakably clear correctness commissioner conclusion racially discriminatory private school charitable within common law concepts reflected code rev rul cum wholly consistent congress executive courts repeatedly declared indeed anomalous executive legislative judicial branches reach conclusions add firm public policy racial discrimination time irs blissfully ignore three branches federal government declared clearly educational institution engaging practices affirmatively odds declared position whole government seen exercising beneficial stabilizing influenc community life walz tax charitable within meaning therefore hold irs exceed authority announced interpretation actions congress since leave doubt irs reached correct conclusion exercising authority course unknown independent agencies executive branch misconstrue intent statute congress often correct misconceptions courts done yet dozen years congress made aware acutely aware irs rulings noted earlier issues subject vigorous widespread debate discussion congress related racial segregation education sincere adherents advocating contrary views ventilated subject well three decades failure congress modify irs rulings congress studies public discourse constantly reminded congress awareness denial status racially discriminatory schools enacting related legislation make unusually strong case legislative acquiescence ratification implication rulings ordinarily quite appropriately courts slow attribute significance failure congress act particular legislation see aaron sec observed unsuccessful attempts legislation best guides legislative intent red lion broadcasting fcc however ordinary claim legislative acquiescence one month irs announced position congress held first hearings precise issue equal educational opportunity hearings senate select committee equal educational opportunity exhaustive hearings held issue various times since include hearings february granted review case administration change federal policy regarding tax status racially discriminatory private schools hearing house committee ways means sess nonaction congress often useful guide nonaction significant past years fewer bills introduced overturn irs interpretation one bills emerged committee although congress enacted numerous amendments period including amendment tax reform act pub stat hardly conceivable congress setting member congress abundantly aware going view prolonged acute awareness important issue congress failure act bills proposed subject provides added support concluding congress acquiesced irs rulings see merrill lynch pierce fenner smith curran haig agee herman maclean huddleston rutherford evidence congressional approval policy embodied revenue ruling goes well beyond failure congress act legislative proposals congress affirmatively manifested acquiescence irs policy enacted present code act pub stat provision denies status social clubs whose charters policy statements provide discrimination person basis race color religion house senate committee reports bill articulated national policy granting tax exemptions racially discriminatory private clubs even significant fact reports focus affirmance green connally supp dc established discrimination account race inconsistent educational institution status supra supra emphasis added references congressional committee reports enactment denying tax exemptions racially discriminatory private social clubs read indicating approval standards applied racially discriminatory private schools irs subsequent specifically revenue ruling iii petitioners contend even commissioner policy valid nonreligious private schools policy constitutionally applied schools engage racial discrimination basis sincerely held religious beliefs schools argued irs construction violates free exercise rights religion clauses first amendment contention presents claims heretofore considered precisely context long held free exercise clause first amendment absolute prohibition governmental regulation religious beliefs wisconsin yoder sherbert verner cantwell connecticut interpreted moreover free exercise clause provides substantial protection lawful conduct grounded religious belief see wisconsin yoder supra thomas review board indiana employment security sherbert verner supra however ot burdens religion unconstitutional state may justify limitation religious liberty showing essential accomplish overriding governmental interest lee see mcdaniel paty wisconsin yoder supra gillette occasion found certain governmental interests compelling allow even regulations prohibiting religiously based conduct prince massachusetts example held neutrally cast child labor laws prohibiting sale printed materials public streets applied prohibit children dispensing religious literature found constitutional infirmity excluding jehovah witness children children may see also reynolds lee supra gillette supra denial tax benefits inevitably substantial impact operation private religious schools prevent schools observing religious tenets governmental interest stake compelling discussed part supra government fundamental overriding interest eradicating racial discrimination education discrimination prevailed official approval first years nation constitutional history governmental interest substantially outweighs whatever burden denial tax benefits places petitioners exercise religious beliefs interests asserted petitioners accommodated compelling governmental interest see lee supra less restrictive means see thomas review board indiana employment security supra available achieve governmental interest iv remaining issue whether irs properly applied policy petitioners petitioner goldsboro christian schools admits maintain racially discriminatory policies brief petitioner seeks justify policies grounds fully discussed irs properly denied status goldsboro christian schools petitioner bob jones university however contends racially discriminatory emphasizes allows races enroll subject restrictions conduct students including prohibitions association men women different races interracial marriage although ban intermarriage interracial dating applies races decisions firmly establish discrimination basis racial affiliation association form racial discrimination see loving virginia mclaughlin florida tillman recreation therefore find irs properly applied revenue ruling bob jones university judgments appeals accordingly affirmed footnotes section allows deductions certain charitable contributions section includes within definition charitable contribution contribution gift use corporation organized operated exclusively religious charitable scientific literary educational purposes revenue ruling cum bull defined racially nondiscriminatory policy students meaning school admits students race rights privileges programs activities generally accorded made available students school school discriminate basis race administration educational policies admissions policies scholarship loan programs athletic programs bob jones university founded florida moved greenville incorporated eleemosynary institution south carolina since beginning bob jones university instituted exception rule allowing applications unmarried negroes members university staff four years according interpretation espoused goldsboro race determined descendance one noah three sons ham shem japheth based interpretation orientals negroes hamitic hebrews shemitic caucasians japhethitic cultural biological mixing races regarded violation god command app pp goldsboro also asserted obliged pay taxes lodging furnished teachers ask review rejection claim stipulation irs agreed abate assessment reflect fact irs begin enforcing policy denying status racially discriminatory private schools november result amount counterclaim reduced granted certiorari government filed motion dismiss informing department treasury intended revoke revenue ruling pertinent rulings recognize exemptions petitioners government suggested actions therefore moot ruled motion however appeals district columbia circuit enjoined government granting status school discriminates basis race wright regan per curiam order thereafter government informed revoke revenue rulings withdrew request actions dismissed moot government continues assert irs lacked authority promulgate revenue ruling defend aspect rulings predecessor originally enacted part war revenue act ch stat whereas predecessor dates back income tax law act ch stat see infra minor differences lists organizations two sections see generally liles blum development federal tax treatment charities law contemp prob hereinafter liles blum nevertheless two sections closely related seek achieve basic goal encouraging development certain organizations grant tax benefits language two sections respects identical commissioner courts consistently applied many standards interpreting sections see mertens law federal income taxation bittker stone federal income taxation ed extent aids ascertaining meaning therefore entitled great weight stewart see harris commissioner dissent suggests quite adeptly avoids statute construing post seeks refuge turning post assertion dissolves one sees construed together must dissent acknowledges two sections mirror provisions surely doubt properly looks determine meaning also suggested best little usefulness finding meaning since simply tracks requirements set forth post reading loses sight fact defines term charitable contribution plain language reveals congress objective employ tax exemptions deductions promote certain charitable purposes eight categories institutions specified statute indeed presumptively charitable nature irs properly considered principles charitable trust law determining whether institutions question may truly considered charitable purposes entitlement tax benefits conferred form history charitable exemption deduction sections various income tax acts reveal congress guided common law charitable trusts see simon status racially discriminatory religious schools tax rev hereinafter simon congress acknowledged much house report tax reform act pub stat stated exemption available institutions served specified charitable purposes pt described charitable term used law trusts hundreds years need consider whether congress intended incorporate internal revenue code aspects charitable trust law requirements public benefit valid public purpose draftsmen income tax law included first charitable exemption provision relied heavily english concepts taxation list exempt organizations appears patterned upon english income tax statutes see cong rec act ch stat income tax system contained act declared unconstitutional pollock farmers loan trust reasons unrelated charitable exemption provision terms exemption substance included corporate income tax contained tariff act ch stat similar exemption included every income tax act since adoption sixteenth amendment beginning revenue act ch stat see generally reiling federal taxation charitable organization liles blum year bureau internal revenue expressed similar view charitable deduction section estate tax contained revenue act ch stat solicitor internal revenue looked common law charitable trusts construing provision noted generally bequests benefit advantage general public valid charities sol op cum bull requirement public benefit universally recognized commentators law trusts example bogerts state return favorable treatment accorded charitable gifts imply disadvantage community courts must find trust deemed charitable real advantages public offset disadvantages arising special privileges accorded charitable trusts bogert bogert law trusts trustees rev ed hereinafter bogert statements principle see scott restatement second trusts comment fisch freed schachter charities charitable foundations cf tank truck rentals commissioner referred presumption congressional intent encourage violation declared public policy upholding commissioner disallowance deductions claimed trucking company fines paid violations state maximum weight laws dissent acknowledges congress intended offer tax benefit organizations providing public benefit post suggests congress fully defined organizations provide public benefit list eight categories exempt organizations contained view nonprofit organization falls within one specified categories automatically entitled tax benefits provided engage expressly prohibited lobbying political activities post dissent thus us conclude example nonprofit organization engage prohibited lobbying activities entitled tax exemption educational institution organized instruction training individual purpose improving developing capabilities cfr see post judge leventhal noted green connally supp dc summarily aff sub nom coit green fagin school educating english boys art picking pockets educational institution definition similarly band former military personnel might well set school intensive training subversives guerrilla warfare terrorism countries abstract school qualify educational institution surely congress thought affording unthinking wooden meaning provide tax benefits educational organizations serve public charitable purpose reading render meaningless congress action specifying eight categories presumptively exempt organizations petitioners suggest see brief petitioner pp entitled status organization must first fall within one categories specified congress addition must serve valid charitable purpose first charitable exemption provision enacted racially segregated educational institutions regarded public policy yet contemporary standards must considered determining whether given activities provide public benefit entitled charitable tax exemption walz tax observed qualification tax exemption perpetual immutable groups lose status activities take outside classification new entities come qualify exemption charitable trust law also makes clear definition charity depends upon contemporary standards see restatement second trusts comment bogert scott view conclusion racially discriminatory private schools violate fundamental public policy deemed confer benefit public need decide whether organization providing public benefit otherwise meeting requirements nevertheless denied status certain activities violated law public policy present case irs issued rulings denying exemptions racially discriminatory schools district issued preliminary injunction see supra justice powell misreads opinion suggests implies internal revenue service invested authority decide public policies sufficiently fundamental require denial tax exemptions post opinion warrant interpretation justice powell concedes national policy sufficiently fundamental constitute overriding limitation availability status policy racial discrimination education post since policy sufficiently clear warrant justice powell concession support finding longstanding congressional acquiescence apparent concerns opinion unfounded many amici curiae including amicus william coleman appointed argue denial status racially discriminatory schools independently required equal protection component fifth amendment light resolution litigation reach issue see clark nlrb catholic bishop chicago sess sess sess sess sess sess sess sess sess sess sess sess sess prior introduction legislation district held segregated social clubs entitled tax exemptions mcglotten connally supp dc section enacted primarily response decision see pp reliance placed scattered statements floor debate congressmen critical irs adoption revenue ruling see brief petitioner pp views prevail several congressmen expressing individual views argued irs authority take action question hardly balance overwhelming evidence congressional awareness acquiescence irs rulings petitioners also argue ashbrook dornan amendments treasury postal service general government appropriations act pub stat reflect congressional opposition irs policy formalized revenue ruling amendments however directly concerned limiting aggressive enforcement procedures proposed irs preventing adoption stringent substantive standards ashbrook amendment act applies procedures guidelines measures adopted august thus way affects status revenue ruling fact congressman dornan congressman ashbrook explicitly stated amendments effect prior irs policy including revenue ruling see cong rec cong dornan amendment affect existing irs rules irs used revoke tax exemptions white segregated academies revenue ruling cong ashbrook amendment clearly indicates face regulations existence august touched amendments therefore indicate congressional rejection revenue ruling standards contained therein district found basis full evidentiary record challenged practices petitioner bob jones university based genuine belief bible forbids interracial dating marriage assume district true respect petitioner goldsboro christian schools see deal religious schools churches purely religious institutions governmental interest denying public support racial discrimination education noted earlier racially discriminatory schools exer pervasive influence entire educational process outweighing public benefit might otherwise provide norwood harrison see generally simon bob jones university also contends denial tax exemption violates establishment clause preferring religions whose tenets require racial discrimination believe racial intermixing forbidden well settled neither state federal government may pass laws prefer one religion another everson board education equally true regulation violate establishment clause merely happens coincide harmonize tenets religions mcgowan maryland see harris mcrae irs policy issue founded neutral secular basis gillette violate establishment clause see generally civil rights discriminatory religious schools tax exempt status addition appeals noted uniform application rule religiously operated schools avoids necessity potentially entangling inquiry whether racially restrictive practice result sincere religious belief emphasis original cf nlrb catholic bishop chicago see generally note yale argument event apply final eight months five tax years issue case prior may bob jones university admissions policy racially discriminatory face since university excluded unmarried negro students admitting unmarried caucasians bob jones university also argues irs policy apply entitled exemption religious organization rather educational institution record case leaves doubt however bob jones university educational institution religious institution discussed previously irs policy properly extends private schools including religious schools see supra irs policy thus properly applied bob jones university justice powell concurring part concurring judgment join judgment along part iii opinion holding denial tax exemptions petitioners violate first amendment write separately troubled broader implications opinion respect authority internal revenue service irs construction internal revenue code federal taxes imposed organizations operated exclusively religious charitable scientific testing public safety literary educational purposes code also permits tax deduction contributions made organizations clear petitioners organizations incorporated educational purposes fall within language statute also clear language mandate refusal status private school maintains racially discriminatory admissions policy accordingly force justice rehnquist argument construed setting forth criteria congress established qualification organization see post rehnquist dissenting indeed writing prior history detailed opinion well construction adopt decade acceptance persuasive circumstances cases conclude sufficient reasons accepting irs construction code proscribing tax exemptions schools discriminate basis race matter policy say construction code adopted irs upheld appeals without logical support statutory terms plausible instances organization seeking tax exemption might act manner clearly contrary purposes laws deemed serve enumerated statutory purposes notes national policy sufficiently fundamental constitute overriding limitation availability status policy racial discrimination education see ante finally critical importance subsequent actions congress present unusually strong case legislative acquiescence ratification implication irs rulings respect racially discriminatory schools ante particular congress enactment strong evidence agreement particular irs rulings ii therefore concur judgment status available private schools concededly racially discriminatory agree however general explanation justifications tax exemptions provided charitable organizations charitable exemptions justified basis exempt entity confers public benefit benefit society community may choose able provide supplements advances work public institutions already supported tax revenues history buttresses logic make clear warrant exemption institution must fall within category specified section must demonstrably serve harmony public interest institution purpose must odds common community conscience undermine public benefit might otherwise conferred ante footnotes omitted respect unconvinced critical question determining status whether individual organization provides clear public benefit defined organizations filed returns internal revenue service exempt master file find impossible believe even organizations prove demonstrably serve harmony public interest beneficial stabilizing influences community life prepared say petitioners racially discriminatory policies necessarily contribute nothing benefit community clear substantially secular character curricula degrees offered petitioners provide educational benefits even troubling element conformity appears inform analysis asserts exempt organization must demonstrably serve harmony public interest must purpose comports common community conscience must act manner affirmatively odds declared position whole government taken together passages suggest primary function organization act behalf government carrying governmentally approved policies opinion view ignores important role played tax exemptions encouraging diverse indeed often sharply conflicting activities viewpoints justice brennan observed private nonprofit groups receive tax exemptions group contributes diversity association viewpoint enterprise essential vigorous pluralistic society walz supra concurring opinion far representing effort reinforce perceived common community conscience provision tax exemptions nonprofit groups one indispensable means limiting influence governmental orthodoxy important areas community life given importance tradition pluralism interest preserving area untrammeled choice private philanthropy great jackson statler foundation friendly dissenting denial reconsideration en banc suggest considerations always dispositive congress course may find organizations warrant status cases agree congress determined policy racial discrimination education override countervailing interest permitting unorthodox private behavior emphasize however balancing substantial interests congress perform unwilling join suggestion internal revenue service invested authority decide public policies sufficiently fundamental require denial tax exemptions business administer laws designed produce revenue government promote public policy former irs commissioner kurtz noted questions concerning religion civil rights far afield typical tasks tax administrators determining taxable income kurtz difficult definitional problems tax administration religion race catholic lawyer often expressed concern scope agency authorization limited areas agency fairly may said expertise concern applies special force asserted administrative power one determine scope public policy justice blackmun noted philanthropic organization concerned appears little circumscribe almost unfettered power commissioner may well long one subscribes particular brand social policy commissioner happens advocating time application tax laws operate fickle fashion surely social policy first instance matter legislative concern commissioner americans dissenting opinion iii decision upholds irs revenue ruling thus resolves question whether status available private schools openly maintain racially discriminatory admissions policies longer justification congress hesitate apparently articulating codifying desired policy tax exemptions discriminatory organizations many questions remain whether organizations violate policies receive status legislative policy choices appropriate leave irs cutting edge developing national policy kurtz supra contours public policy determined congress judges irs note construed provisions code containing narrowly defined exceptions see commissioner tellier tank truck rentals commissioner district district columbia green connally supp summarily aff sub nom coit green held racially discriminatory private schools entitled status district however later ruled racially segregated social clubs receive tax exemptions code see mcglotten connally supp faced two important rulings congress expressly overturned relevant portion mcglotten enacting thus conforming policy respect social clubs prevailing policy respect private schools affirmative step persuasive indication congress silently acquiesced result green cf merrill lynch pierce fenner smith curran powell dissenting rejecting theory congressional intent inferred silence legislative inaction achieve force law certainly applied manner suggested analysis list exempt organizations includes among countless examples organizations american friends service committee committee present danger jehovahs witnesses moral majority foundation friends earth foundation mountain legal foundation national right life educational foundation planned parenthood federation america scientists engineers secure energy union concerned scientists fund see internal revenue service cumulative list organizations described section internal revenue code pp revised difficult indeed argue organizations reflects views common community conscience demonstrably harmony public interest identifying organizations largely taken random tens thousands list course imply disapproval exempt taxation rather illustrate commendable tolerance government even strongly held divergent views including views least time time odds position government consistently recognized disparate groups entitled share privilege tax exemption distinctive feature america tradition respect diversity characteristic peoples numerous lands built country essence democratic system mississippi university women hogan powell dissenting sectarian schools make important contribution tradition provided educational alternative millions young americans often afford wholesome competition public schools wolman walter powell concurring part concurring judgment part dissenting part see community television southern california gottfried agency general duty enforce public interest require assume responsibility enforcing legislation directed agency hampton mow sun wong business civil service commission adopt enforce regulations best promote efficiency federal civil service agency responsibility foreign affairs treaty negotiations establishing immigration quotas conditions entry naturalization policies naacp fpc use words public interest gas power acts directive federal power commission seek eradicate discrimination rather charge promote orderly production supplies electric energy natural gas reasonable rates justice rehnquist dissenting points strong national policy country racial discrimination extent congress furtherance policy deny status educational institutions promote racial discrimination readily agree unlike convinced congress simply failed take action said regardless view propriety congress failure legislate constitutionally empowered act approaching statutory construction question quite adeptly avoids statute construing sure accident nothing language supports result obtained section provides status corporations community chest fund foundation organized operated exclusively religious charitable scientific testing public safety literary educational purposes foster national international amateur sports competition part activities involve provision athletic facilities equipment prevention cruelty children animals part net earnings inures benefit private shareholder individual substantial part activities carrying propaganda otherwise attempting influence legislation except otherwise provided subsection participate intervene including publishing distributing statements political campaign behalf candidate public office first seeks refuge obvious reading turning internal revenue code provides tax deduction contributions made organizations setting forth general rule shall allowed deduction charitable contribution defined subsection payment made within taxable year charitable contribution shall allowable deduction verified regulations prescribed secretary well advised look subsection indicates congress defined charitable contribution purposes section term charitable contribution means contribution gift use corporation trust community chest fund foundation organized operated exclusively religious charitable scientific literary educational purposes foster national international amateur sports competition part activities involve provision athletic facilities equipment prevention cruelty children animals part net earnings inures benefit private shareholder individual disqualified tax exemption section reason attempting influence legislation participate intervene including publishing distributing statements political campaign behalf candidate public office making fruitful inquiry next turns legislative history finds congress intended statute offer tax benefit organizations congress believed providing public benefit certainly agree leaps conclusion history proof congress intended organization seeking status must fall within category specified section must demonstrably serve harmony public interest ante emphasis added contrary think legislative history unmistakably makes clear congress decided organizations serving public purpose providing public benefit within meaning clearly set forth characteristics organizations fact examples better illustrate congress effort define redefine requirements legislative act first general income tax law passed congress form tariff act provision act provided exemption corporations companies associations organized conducted solely charitable religious educational purposes ch stat income tax portion act held unconstitutional see pollock farmers loan trust similar exemption appeared tariff act imposed tax corporate income act provided exemption corporation association organized operated exclusively religious charitable educational purposes part net income inures benefit private stockholder individual ch stat ratification sixteenth amendment congress turned attention individual income tax tariff act direct predecessor tax exemption provided corporation association organized operated exclusively religious charitable scientific educational purposes part net income inures benefit private stockholder individual ch ii stat subsequent acts congress continued broaden list exempt purposes revenue act added exemption corporations associations organized prevention cruelty children animals ch stat revenue act expanded groups exemption applied include community chest fund foundation added literary endeavors list exempt purposes ch stat exemption remained unchanged revenue acts revenue act congress added requirement substantial part activities exempt organization involve carrying propaganda attempting influence legislation ch stat exemption left unchanged revenue acts tax laws overhauled internal revenue code exemption left unchanged ch stat code replaced internal revenue code exemption adopted full present addition testing public safety exempt purpose additional restriction organizations participate intervene including publishing distributing statements political campaign behalf candidate public office ch stat statute amended adding purposes exemption authorized foster national international amateur sports competition provided activities involve provision athletic facilities equipment tax reform act pub stat one way read opinion handed today leads conclusion long arduous refining process certainly waste time enacting original statute congress intended adopt term art intended term art carry baggage defines view however leads also unsupportable idea congress spent almost century adding illustrations simply clarify already defined term another way read opinion leads conclusion even though congress set forth requirements organization intended irs additionally require organizations meet higher standard public interest stated congress determined defined irs courts view find equally unsupportable almost century statutory history proves congress intended decide requires congress expressed decision plainest terms providing status given corporation community chest fund foundation organized one eight enumerated purposes operated nonprofit basis uninvolved lobbying activities political campaigns irs certainly empowered adopt regulations enforcement specified requirements courts authority resolve challenges irs exercise power congress left neither irs courts select add requirements suggests unless new requirement added nonprofit organizations formed teach pickpockets terrorists necessarily acquire status ante since challenge characterization petitioners educational institutions within meaning fact several times course opinion petitioners educational institutions see ante difficult see argument advances reasoning disposing petitioners cases simply reject heavyhanded creation requirement organization seeking status must serve harmony public interest ante mean deny irs usual authority adopt regulations explaining congress meant term educational irs fully exercised authority treas reg cfr provides educational defined general term educational used section relates instruction training individual purpose improving developing capabilities instruction public subjects useful individual beneficial community organization may educational even though advocates particular position viewpoint long presents sufficiently full fair exposition pertinent facts permit individual public form independent opinion conclusion hand organization educational principal function mere presentation unsupported opinion ii examples educational organizations following examples organizations otherwise meet requirements section educational example organization primary secondary school college professional trade school regularly scheduled curriculum regular faculty regularly enrolled body students attendance place educational activities regularly carried example organization whose activities consist presenting public discussion groups forums panels lectures similar programs programs may radio television example organization presents course instruction means correspondence utilization television radio example museums zoos planetariums symphony orchestras similar organizations prior charted course abruptly changed irs continuously interpreted predecessors accordance view expressed course considerable significance determining intended meaning statute nlrb boeing power reactor development electrical workers irs sued parents black public school children seeking enjoin irs according status private schools mississippi discriminated blacks irs answered consistent longstanding position maintaining lack authority deny tax exemption schools met specified requirements midst litigation green connally supp dc summarily aff sub nom coit green face preliminary injunction irs changed position adopted view plaintiffs following close litigation irs published new position revenue ruling stating school asserting right benefits provided section code organized operated exclusively educational purposes must common law charity order exempt section rev rul cum bull irs concluded school promotes racial discrimination violates public policy therefore qualify charity circumstances change interpretation made suggest entitled little deference even circumstances different wisdom irs basis perhaps recognizing lack support statute history irs change interpretation finds actions congress since leave doubt irs reached correct conclusion exercising authority concluding unusually strong case legislative acquiescence ratification implication rulings ante relies first several bills introduced overturn irs interpretation ante said equally applicable type congressional inaction virtually weight determining legislative intent see wise waterman bills related hearings indicate little vigorous debate existed congress concerning new irs position next asserts congress affirmatively manifested acquiescence irs policy enacted present code provision denies status social clubs whose charters policy statements provide racial discrimination ante quite contrary seems congress showed wants add requirement prohibiting racial discrimination one provisions fully aware cf commissioner tellier intimates ashbrook dornan amendments also reflect intent congress acquiesce new irs position ante amendments passed limit certain enforcement procedures proposed irs determining whether school operated racially nondiscriminatory fashion points proposing amendment congressman ashbrook stated amendment clearly indicates face regulations existence august touched ibid fails note congressman ashbrook also said irs authority create public policy long congress acted set forth national policy respecting denial tax exemptions private schools improper irs branch federal government seek denial status exists single responsibility proper internal revenue service serve tax collector cong rec continuously hesitant find ratification inaction see wise supra especially true finding result construction statute odds language section question pattern statute taken whole also extremely far reaching terms virtually untrammeled unreviewable power vest regulatory agency sec sloan cases call caution finding ratification acquiescence present ones new irs interpretation far less longstanding administrative policy odds position maintained irs unquestioned congress several decades prior interpretation unsupported statutory language unsupported legislative history interpretation led considerable controversy congress interpretation gives irs broad power congress kept addition circumstances congress shown time time ready enact positive legislation change tax code desires business finding congress adopted new irs position failing enact legislation reverse disagreement finding strong national policy country opposed racial discrimination agree congress power policy denying status organizations practice racial discrimination yet congress failed whatever reasons failure legislate congress petitioners organized instruction training individual purpose improving developing capabilities cfr thus organized educational purposes within meaning petitioners nonprofit status uncontested indication either petitioner involved lobbying activities political campaigns therefore view unless congress affirmatively amends require irs without authority deny petitioners status reason reverse appeals see revenue act ch stat revenue act ch stat revenue act ch stat revenue act ch stat see revenue act ch stat revenue act ch stat agree requirement infringe petitioners first amendment rights holding decide whether violate equal protection component fifth amendment congress grant status organizations practice racial discrimination ante decide statute facially neutral absent showing discriminatory purpose equal protection violation established washington davis