In North Carolina, racial discrimination is illegal 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 known as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has the power to conduct investigations of workplace discrimination, and employees must file their discrimination claims wih the EEOC prior to suing in a civil court. Discrimination based on race involves an employer who treats worker(s) differently than workers who are of another racial background.
In order to succeed on a claim for racial discrimination, the Gastonia plaintiff must also show that their employer intended to base the discrimination on race or nationality. 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 Gastonia Lawyer Help with My Claim?
Recorded statements about racial issues that were made by the employer can also be used in some cases to establish intent. Procedural laws in this area of litigation differentiate considerably depending on where you file your claim, and a local Gastonia lawyer will be familiar with requirements in your area. Also, a North Carolina attorney can assist you when you file your claim with the EEOC, and they may be able to help you obtain other kinds of relief during the time period when your case is pending.