Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is prohibited in Indiana. 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?

The federal agency known as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has the authority to conduct investigations of workplace discrimination, and employees must file their discrimination claims wih the EEOC prior to suing in a civil court. To prove racial discrimination, an employer must treat an employee differently than co-workers who are of a different race or nationality.

In order to succeed on a claim for racial discrimination, the Lake County plaintiff must further prove that their employer intended to base the discrimination on race or nationality. This intent is most often proven by showing that the employer preferentially treated those of other races and nationalities.

How Can a Lake County 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 governing the procedures in discrimination will vary greatly depending on where the claim is filed, and Lake County attorneys will be able to help you with the requirements for your particular region. An experienced Indiana lawyer will also assist you in filing your claim with the EEOC, as well as helping you obtain other types of relief while your claim is being processed.