Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is illegal in Louisiana. According to such laws, an employer cannot use race as the basis for making decisions regarding hiring, recruitment, wage levels, or promotion offers.

What Must Be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

The federal agency known as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has the power to conduct investigations of workplace discrimination, and employees must file their discrimination claims wih the EEOC prior to suing in a civil court. To prove racial discrimination, an employer must treat an employee adversely than co-workers who are of a different race or nationality.

To be able to prove a claim of racial discrimination, the Houma plaintiff also needs to prove that the employer had an intent to discriminate, and that the discriminatory action was based on race. This intent is most often shown by proving that the employer preferentially treated those of other races and nationalities.

How Can a Houma Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In some instances, intent to discriminate may also be established by using recorded statements by the employer regarding racial issues. Laws governing the procedures in discrimination will vary widely depending on where the claim is filed, and Houma attorneys will be able to help you with the requirements for your particular region. A good Louisiana attorney will also be able to assist you should you decide to file with the EEOC, and they can guide you towards other potential remedies while your case is pending.