Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is illegal in Michigan. 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 federal agency known as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has the power to conduct investigations of workplace discrimination, and employees must file their discrimination claims wih the EEOC prior to suing in a civil 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 Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor Lawyer Help with My Claim?
In some cases also, recorded statements made by the employer about racial issues can be used to establish intent. In this area of litigation, procedural laws will vary considerably depending on where the claim is filed, and an Ann Arbor attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, a Michigan 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.