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.
To be successful in a racial discrimination claim, the Lansing employee must also prove that their employee had the required intent to discriminate based upon the person's race. 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 Lansing Lawyer Help with My Claim?
In certain instances, intent to discriminate may also be established by using recorded statements by the employer regarding racial issues. Procedural laws in this area of litigation vary greatly depending on where you file your claim, and a local Lansing lawyer will be familiar with requirements in your area. 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.