Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is banned 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. To prove racial discrimination, an employer must treat an employee differently than co-workers who are of a different race or nationality.

To succeed on a claim of racial discrimination, the Glenwood plaintiff must additionally prove that his employer acted with an intent to discriminate based 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 Glenwood Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Additionally, in some circumstances, recorded employer statements regarding racial issues can be used to establish their intent to discriminate. Laws of procedure vary greatly in this area of law depending on where you file your claim, and local Glenwood lawyers will be familiarized with the requirements of your geographical region. An Illinois 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.