Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is illegal 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 Madison plaintiff must also prove that their employer intended to base the discrimination on race or nationality. 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 Madison Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In some cases also, recorded statements made by the employer about racial issues can be used to establish intent. In this area of litigation, procedural laws will vary greatly depending on where the claim is filed, and a Madison attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, an Indiana 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.