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

Federal investigations of workplace discrimination are conducted by the agency called the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Employees who are victims of discrimination are required to file their claim with the EEOC before filing suit in a court of law. Race or nationality discrimination involves an employer treating you differently than those you work with that are of other races or nationalities.

The Owatonna plaintiff must further be able to prove that the employer acted with intent to discriminate based on race in order to succeed in a racial discrimination claim. The required intent may be proven by evidence that the employer rendered preferential treatment to workers who are of a different race or nationality than the plaintiff.

How Can an Owatonna Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In some cases also, recorded statements made by the employer about racial issues can be used to prove intent. In this area of litigation, procedural laws will vary greatly depending on where the claim is filed, and an Owatonna attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. An experienced Minnesota lawyer will also assist you in filing your claim with the EEOC, as well as helping you obtain other types of relief while your claim is being processed.