In Montana, 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, determining pay or offering promotions.

What Must Be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

The federal agency known as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has the authority to conduct investigations of workplace discrimination, and employees must file their discrimination claims wih the EEOC prior to suing in a civil 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 able to prove a claim of racial discrimination, the Polson plaintiff additionally needs to show that the employer had an intent to discriminate, and that the discriminatory action was based on race. 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 a Polson Lawyer Help with My Claim?

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