Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is illegal in Massachusetts. These laws prohibit employers from taking race into account in procedures for hiring, deciding wage levels, or promotions and benefits.

What Must Be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency in charge of investigating workplace discrimination, and employees discriminated against must file a claim with the EEOC before taking the issue to 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 Ayer plaintiff must also show that their employer intended to base the discrimination on race or nationality. Proof of an employer's intent to discriminate can be proven if they have preferentially treated workers of different races than the plaintiff.

How Can an Ayer Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Furthermore, in some circumstances, recorded employer statements regarding racial issues can be used to prove their intent to discriminate. In this area of litigation, procedural laws will vary considerably depending on where the claim is filed, and an Ayer attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, a Massachusetts 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.