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, deciding 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 power 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 adversely than co-workers who are of a different race or nationality.

In order to succeed on a claim for racial discrimination, the Marion County plaintiff must further show that their employer intended to base the discrimination on race or nationality. The required intent may be shown by evidence that the employer rendered preferential treatment to workers who are of a different race or nationality than the plaintiff.

How Can a Marion 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. Procedural laws in this area of litigation differentiate considerably depending on where you file your claim, and a local Marion County lawyer will be familiar with requirements in your area. 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 forms of remedies available to you while your claim is pending.