Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is illegal in Michigan. Employers are prohibited according to theses laws from using race as a basis for hiring, recruitment, setting wage levels, or granting promotions.

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. To prove racial discrimination, an employer must treat an employee differently than co-workers who are of a different race or nationality.

In order to succeed on a claim for racial discrimination, the Genesee County plaintiff must also prove that their employer intended to base the discrimination on race or nationality. This intent is most often proven by showing that the employer preferentially treated those of other races and nationalities.

How Can a Genesee County Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Recorded statements about racial issues that were made by the employer can also be used in some cases to establish intent. Depending on where you file your claim, the procedural laws will vary greatly, and so a Genesee County lawyer will help familiarize you with the requirements for your district. 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 types of remedies available to you while your claim is pending.