Perry Education Association v. Perry Local Educators' Association

460 U.S. 37 (1983)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Both the PEA (D) and the PLEA (P) represent teachers in the Perry Township public school system. Prior to 1977, both groups had access to interschool teacher mail systems. A challenge to the PEA was mounted by the PLEA, and an election was held by the Board and PEA won and was certified as the exclusive representative as provided by Indiana law. As part of its exclusive representation, PEA was given access to the school mailbox system, and PLEA was not. PLEA was not prevented from using other school facilities to communicate with the teachers. PLEA sought an injunction. The court entered summary judgment for the defendants. The Seventh Circuit held that the preferential treatment violated both Equal Protection and the First Amendment and reversed. D appealed.