In North Carolina, racial discrimination is illegal under both the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code. Employers may not take race into account according to these laws when hiring or recruiting workers, or when determining wages and promotion offers.

What Must Be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency in charge of investigating workplace discrimination, and employees discriminated against must file a claim with the EEOC before taking the matter to court. Race discrimination includes situations where an employer treats their worker differently from other workers who are of a different race or nationality.

The Hickory plaintiff must also 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 a Hickory Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Also, sometimes statements that were recorded and made by the employer regarding racial issues can be used to prove intent. Laws of procedure vary greatly in this area of law depending on where you file your claim, and local Hickory lawyers will be familiarized with the requirements of your geographical region. A North Carolina 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.