Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is banned 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.

To be able to prove a claim of racial discrimination, the Jefferson Parish plaintiff additionally needs to show that the employer had an intent to discriminate, and that the discriminatory action was based on race. This intent is most often proven by showing that the employer preferentially treated those of other races and nationalities.

How Can a Jefferson Parish Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Additionally, in some circumstances, recorded employer statements regarding racial issues can be used to establish their intent to discriminate. Laws governing the procedures in discrimination will vary considerably depending on where the claim is filed, and Jefferson Parish attorneys will be able to help you with the requirements for your particular region. 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.