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?

Federal investigations of workplace discrimination are conducted by the agency called the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Employees who are victims of discrimination are required to file their claim with the EEOC before filing suit in a court of law. 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 Round Lake plaintiff must also prove that his employer acted with an intent to discriminate based on race or nationality. The employer's intent can often be proven by showing that other people of different races were treated preferentially.

How Can a Round Lake Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Additionally, in some circumstances, recorded employer statements regarding racial issues can be used to prove their intent to discriminate. In this area of litigation, procedural laws will vary greatly depending on where the claim is filed, and a Round Lake attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. 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 types of remedies available to you while your claim is pending.