Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is illegal in Michigan. Employers are barred 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 issue to court. Race discrimination includes situations where an employer treats their employee differently from other employees who are of a different race or nationality.

The Madison Heights plaintiff must also be able to show that the employer acted with intent to discriminate based on race in order to succeed in a racial discrimination claim. 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 Madison Heights Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In some instances, intent to discriminate may also be established by using recorded statements by the employer regarding racial issues. In this area of litigation, procedural laws will vary considerably depending on where the claim is filed, and a Madison Heights attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. A Michigan lawyer may also assist you with filing a claim with the EEOC as well as guide you to other possible remedies while the case is pending.