Under the U.S. Constitution, as well as Title VII of the U.S. Code, it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of race in the state of Oregon. 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. Racial discrimination claims involve situations where an employers treat workers differently than other workers who are of a different race.
The Oregon City 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. Proof of an employer's intent to discriminate can be shown if they have preferentially treated workers of different races than the plaintiff.
How Can a Oregon City Lawyer Help with My Claim?
In some cases also, recorded statements made by the employer about racial issues can be used to establish intent. Depending on where you file your claim, the procedural laws will vary greatly, and so an Oregon City lawyer will help familiarize you with the requirements for your district. An experienced Oregon 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.