No officer or employee in the classified civil service shall be removed, discharged or reduced in rank or pay because of religious or political opinion or affiliation. No removal from the classified civil service, except at the expiration of the period of probation, shall be made by any appointing power except for reasons given in writing to the board, and a copy of such reasons shall be furnished to the person removed. Such person may thereupon file with the board in writing any proper answer to such reasons. A copy of such reasons and answer and of the order of removal shall be made a part of the records of the board and of the proper department or office; and the reasons for any change in rank or compensation within the classified service shall also be made a part of the records of the board and of the proper department or office. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be so construed as to require the examination of witnesses or any trial or hearing before or after reduction or removal.
(1949 Rev., S. 881.)