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. Racial discrimination claims involve situations where an employers treat employees differently than other employees who are of a different race.

In order to succeed on a claim for racial discrimination, the Westminster 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 a Westminster Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Furthermore, in some circumstances, recorded employer statements regarding racial issues can be used to prove their intent to discriminate. Procedural laws in this area of litigation differentiate considerably depending on where you file your claim, and a local Westminster lawyer will be familiar with requirements in your area. 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.