Brief Fact Summary. The Petitioner, New York City Transit Authority (Petitioner), refuses to employ methadone users. The Respondent, Beazer (Respondent), brings suit on behalf of all methadone users who might work for Petitioner under the auspice that the policy violates the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution (Constitution).
Synopsis of Rule of Law. A rule will violate the Equal Protection clause of the Constitution if it circumscribes a class of persons according an unpopular trait or affiliation.
Issue. Does Petitioner’s hiring policy violate the Equal Protection Clause by refusing employment to methadone users?
Held. No. The special classification created by Petitioner’s rule serves the general objective of safety and efficiency.
A suspect class is a class of persons characterized by some unpopular trait or affiliation that would reflect any special likelihood of bias against them on the part of the ruling majority.
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