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

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. Race or nationality discrimination involves an employer treating you adversely than those you work with that are of other races or nationalities.

In order to succeed on a claim for racial discrimination, the Abbeville plaintiff must also 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 an Abbeville Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Recorded statements about racial issues that were made by the employer can also be used in some cases to establish intent. Laws governing the procedures in discrimination will vary widely depending on where the claim is filed, and Abbeville attorneys will be able to help you with the requirements for your particular region. A Louisiana lawyer may also assist you with filing a claim with the EEOC as well as guide you to other possible remedies while the case is pending.