Opinion ID: 1333537
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Appellant's equal protection claim

Text: Appellant also advances an equal protection argument on the basis that W.Va.Code, 29-6-13 [1961] establishes unequal classifications. Those civil service employees who are suspended for thirty days or less are excluded from a review hearing, while those receiving more than a thirty-day suspension are entitled to such hearing. We find no merit in this argument. In State ex rel. Piccirillo v. Follansbee, W.Va., 233 S.E.2d 419 (1977), we discussed at some length the concept of equal protection. We adopted and applied the standard that unless the State action violates certain sensitive and fundamental rights and constitutional freedoms, such as religion or speech, then the challenged classification will be analyzed to see if it bears some rational relationship to legitimate State purposes. The right that is here involved is a property right in continued uninterrupted employment. It is not a sensitive and fundamental right or constitutional freedom. Therefore, we need only determine whether this classification bears some rational relationship to legitimate State purposes. In the early portion of this opinion we discussed at some length the State's interest in being able to deal quickly and inexpensively with routine personnel matters in order to promote efficiency and economy in administration. We consider such interest to be a legitimate State purpose and certainly disciplinary procedures permitting a distinction between minor disciplinary punishments and major ones are rationally related to this interest. We, therefore, hold that W.Va.Code, 29-6-13 [1961] does not violate our Equal Protection Clause. West Virginia Constitution, Article III, Section 17. See Cimino v. Board of Education of County of Marion, W.Va., 210 S.E.2d 485 (1974). For the reasons stated above, the appeal is dismissed. Appeal dismissed. HARSHBARGER, J., deeming himself disqualified, did not participate in the consideration or decision of this case.