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.

To be able to prove a claim of racial discrimination, the Chelsea plaintiff also needs to prove that the employer had an intent to discriminate, and that the discriminatory action was based on race. The employer's intent can often be shown by showing that other people of different races were treated preferentially.

How Can a Chelsea 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 a Chelsea attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. A Massachusetts 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.