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, 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. Racial discrimination claims involve situations where an employers treat workers differently than other workers who are of a different race.

To succeed on a claim of racial discrimination, the Mount Vernon plaintiff must also prove that his employer acted with an intent to discriminate based on race or nationality. Intent may be proved by demonstrating that the employer gave preferential treatment to people of other races or nationalities.

How Can a Mount Vernon Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In certain instances, intent to discriminate may also be established by using recorded statements by the employer regarding racial issues. Laws governing the procedures in discrimination will vary widely depending on where the claim is filed, and Mount Vernon 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.