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 be able to prove a claim of racial discrimination, the Hampshire plaintiff additionally needs to show that the employer had an intent to discriminate, and that the discriminatory action was based on race. This intent is most often proven by showing that the employer preferentially treated those of other races and nationalities.

How Can a Hampshire 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 governing the procedures in discrimination will vary considerably depending on where the claim is filed, and Hampshire attorneys will be able to help you with the requirements for your particular 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.