Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is illegal in Illinois. According to these laws, employers may not take race into account when hiring, recruiting, deciding 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 that has authority to investigate any claims of discrimination in the workplace. Discrimination based on race involves an employer who treats worker(s) differently than workers who are of another racial background.

To succeed on a claim of racial discrimination, the Lake Bluff plaintiff must also show that his employer acted with an intent to discriminate based on race or nationality. The employer's intent can often be shown by showing that other people of different races were treated preferentially.

How Can a Lake Bluff Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Recorded statements about racial issues that were made by the employer can also be used in some cases to establish intent. Depending on where you file your claim, the procedural laws will vary considerably, and so a Lake Bluff lawyer will help familiarize you with the requirements for your district. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, an Illinois lawyer will be able to help you out, and they can also point you towards other forms of remedies available to you while your claim is pending.