In Missouri, racial discrimination is banned under both the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code. According to these laws, employers may not take race into account when hiring, recruiting, deciding pay or offering promotions.

What Must Be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

The federal agency that is in charge of investigations of workplace discrimination is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Before taking issues to court, employees that have been discriminated against must file their claim with the EEOC. Racial discrimination claims involve situations where an employers treat employees differently than other employees who are of a different race.

To succeed on a claim of racial discrimination, the Pleasant Hill plaintiff must additionally show that his employer acted with an intent to discriminate based on race or nationality. 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 Pleasant Hill Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Recorded statements about racial issues that were made by the employer can also be used in some cases to show intent. Laws of procedure vary considerably in this area of law depending on where you file your claim, and local Pleasant Hill lawyers will be familiarized with the requirements of your geographical region. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, a Missouri 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.