Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is illegal in Kentucky. According to such laws, an employer cannot use race as the basis for making decisions regarding hiring, recruitment, wage levels, or promotion opportunities.

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. Racial discrimination claims involve situations where an employers treat workers differently than other workers who are of a different race.

In order to succeed on a claim for racial discrimination, the Somerset plaintiff must also prove that their employer intended to base the discrimination on race or nationality. Proof of an employer's intent to discriminate can be shown if they have preferentially treated workers of different races than the plaintiff.

How Can a Somerset Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In some cases also, recorded statements made by the employer about racial issues can be used to establish intent. Laws of procedure vary greatly in this area of law depending on where you file your claim, and local Somerset lawyers will be familiarized with the requirements of your geographical region. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, a Kentucky 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.