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 successful in a racial discrimination claim, the Dudley employee must also show that their employee had the required intent to discriminate based upon the person's race. This intent is most often shown by proving that the employer preferentially treated those of other races and nationalities.

How Can a Dudley Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In some instances, intent to discriminate may also be established by using recorded statements by the employer regarding racial issues. In this area of litigation, procedural laws will vary considerably depending on where the claim is filed, and a Dudley 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.