Under the U.S. Constitution, as well as Title VII of the U.S. Code, it is prohibited to discriminate on the basis of race in the state of South Dakota. 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 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency in charge of investigating workplace discrimination, and employees discriminated against must file a claim with the EEOC before taking the issue to court. Discrimination based on race involves an employer who treats worker(s) differently than workers who are of another racial background.

The Brookings plaintiff must further be able to show that the employer acted with intent to discriminate based on race in order to succeed in a racial discrimination claim. The required intent may be shown by evidence that the employer rendered preferential treatment to workers who are of a different race or nationality than the plaintiff.

How Can a Brookings Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In some cases also, recorded statements made by the employer about racial issues can be used to prove intent. Laws governing the procedures in discrimination will vary greatly depending on where the claim is filed, and Brookings attorneys will be able to help you with the requirements for your particular region. A good South Dakota attorney will also be able to help you should you decide to file with the EEOC, and they can guide you towards other potential remedies while your case is pending.