Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is illegal in Minnesota. 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?

Before taking their discrimination claim to court, an employee must file their claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is the federal agency that has authority to investigate any claims of discrimination in the workplace. Race or nationality discrimination involves an employer treating you adversely than those you work with that are of other races or nationalities.

To be able to prove a claim of racial discrimination, the Bloomington plaintiff also needs to prove that the employer had an intent to discriminate, and that the discriminatory action was based on race. The required intent may be shown by evidence that the employer rendered preferential treatment to workers who are of a different race or nationality than the plaintiff.

How Can a Bloomington 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 a Bloomington attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, a Minnesota 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.