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, 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. Race discrimination includes situations where an employer treats their worker differently from other workers who are of a different race or nationality.

The Wood River plaintiff must further be able to prove that the employer acted with intent to discriminate based on race in order to succeed in a racial discrimination claim. The required intent may be proven by evidence that the employer rendered preferential treatment to workers who are of a different race or nationality than the plaintiff.

How Can a Wood River Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In some cases also, recorded statements made by the employer about racial issues can be used to prove intent. Laws of procedure vary greatly in this area of law depending on where you file your claim, and local Wood River lawyers will be familiarized with the requirements of your geographical region. Furthermore, an Illinois attorney can help you when you file your claim with the EEOC, and they may be able to help you obtain other kinds of relief during the time period when your case is pending.