Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is banned 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 Grosse Pointe Woods plaintiff must additionally prove that their employer intended to base the discrimination on race or nationality. Proof of an employer's intent to discriminate can be shown if they have preferentially treated workers of different races than the plaintiff.

How Can a Grosse Pointe Woods Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Additionally, in some circumstances, recorded employer statements regarding racial issues can be used to establish their intent to discriminate. In this area of litigation, procedural laws will vary greatly depending on where the claim is filed, and a Grosse Pointe Woods attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. An experienced Michigan lawyer will also help you in filing your claim with the EEOC, as well as helping you obtain other types of relief while your claim is being processed.