Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is prohibited 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. Racial discrimination claims involve situations where an employers treat employees differently than other employees who are of a different race.

To be able to prove a claim of racial discrimination, the Peoria Heights plaintiff further needs to prove that the employer had an intent to discriminate, and that the discriminatory action was based on race. This intent is most often shown by proving that the employer preferentially treated those of other races and nationalities.

How Can a Peoria Heights Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Recorded statements about racial issues that were made by the employer can also be used in some cases to prove intent. Laws of procedure vary considerably in this area of law depending on where you file your claim, and local Peoria Heights lawyers will be familiarized with the requirements of your geographical region. 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.