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 Tennessee. According to such laws, an employer cannot use race as the basis for making decisions regarding hiring, recruitment, wage levels, or promotion opportunities.

What Must Be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

The federal agency that is in charge of investigations of workplace discrimination is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Before taking matters to court, employees who have been discriminated against must file their claim with the EEOC. Race or nationality discrimination involves an employer treating you differently than those you work with that are of other races or nationalities.

In order to succeed on a claim for racial discrimination, the Brentwood plaintiff must further prove that their employer intended to base the discrimination on race or nationality. 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 Brentwood Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Additionally, in some circumstances, recorded employer statements regarding racial issues can be used to show their intent to discriminate. In this area of litigation, procedural laws will vary greatly depending on where the claim is filed, and a Brentwood attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. A Tennessee lawyer may also help you with filing a claim with the EEOC as well as guide you to other possible remedies while the case is pending.