Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is banned in Massachusetts. These laws prohibit employers from taking race into account in procedures for hiring, determining 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 matter to court. Race discrimination includes situations where an employer treats their worker differently from other workers who are of a different race or nationality.

The Hamilton plaintiff must additionally be able to prove that the employer acted with intent to discriminate based on race in order to succeed in a racial discrimination claim. This intent is most often proven by showing that the employer preferentially treated those of other races and nationalities.

How Can a Hamilton Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In certain instances, intent to discriminate may also be shown by using recorded statements by the employer regarding racial issues. Depending on where you file your claim, the procedural laws will vary greatly, and so a Hamilton lawyer will help familiarize you with the requirements for your district. 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 types of remedies available to you while your claim is pending.