Opinion ID: 545563
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Class Status

Text: 14 Holloway argues that inmates have a right to consideration for Class I status, but such consideration and opportunity to achieve Class I status are denied them when, because of their medical conditions, they are assigned to inside utility. He alleged that Perry consistently blocks the ability of inside utility workers to get available Class I jobs for which they are eligible, thereby precluding attainment of Class I status. Furthermore, eligibility for reclassification is postponed for at least thirty days whenever minor disciplinary action is taken against an inmate. 2 Holloway alleged that Perry and Norris, with Lockhart's approval, have falsified minor disciplinaries to render plaintiffs ineligible for class consideration. Holloway argues that this ineligibility has major effects, and thus minor disciplinaries should require due process protections. 15 Holloway has not pointed to any statute, regulation, or policy statement that sufficiently limits prison officials' discretion so as to create a protected liberty interest in class status. Cf. Parker v. Corrothers, 750 F.2d 653, 660-61 (8th Cir.1984) (Arkansas parole). In fact, Holloway concedes on appeal that inmates have no right to a particular class. Thus, the link between class status and the availability of certain jobs does not present a due process issue. Nevertheless, an equal protection issue may be presented. Although an inmate's medical condition could be rationally related to his job assignment, medical condition may be an arbitrary factor for determining class status. Similarly, although we reject the argument that minor disciplinaries require due process protections, see Wolff v. McDonnell, 418 U.S. 539, 571 n. 19, 94 S.Ct. 2963, 2982 n. 19, 41 L.Ed.2d 935 (1974), if as Holloway alleges such disciplinaries are falsely filed against disabled inmates to preclude their advancement in class status, an equal protection claim may arise. These equal protection claims should also be considered on remand.