Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is illegal in Illinois. According to these laws, employers may not take race into account when hiring, recruiting, determining pay or offering promotions.
What Must Be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?
Before taking their discrimination claim to court, an employee must file their claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is the federal agency which has authority to investigate any claims of discrimination in the workplace. Discrimination based on race involves an employer who treats worker(s) differently than employees who are of another racial background.
The Lombard plaintiff must also be able to prove that the employer acted with intent to discriminate based on race in order to succeed in a racial discrimination claim. This intent is most often proven by showing that the employer preferentially treated those of other races and nationalities.
How Can a Lombard Lawyer Help with My Claim?
Additionally, in some circumstances, recorded employer statements regarding racial issues can be used to prove their intent to discriminate. In this area of litigation, procedural laws will vary greatly depending on where the claim is filed, and a Lombard attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. An experienced Illinois lawyer will also guide you in filing your claim with the EEOC, as well as helping you obtain other types of relief while your claim is being processed.