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

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 Harahan plaintiff must further 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 Harahan Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Furthermore, sometimes statements that were recorded and made by the employer regarding racial issues can be used to show intent. In this area of litigation, procedural laws will vary greatly depending on where the claim is filed, and a Harahan attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. A Louisiana lawyer may also help you with filing a claim with the EEOC as well as guide you to other possible remedies while the case is pending.