In North Carolina, racial discrimination is banned 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 deciding 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 issue to court. Discrimination based on race involves an employer who treats worker(s) differently than workers who are of another racial background.

The Nashville plaintiff must additionally be able to show 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 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 Nashville Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In some 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 considerably depending on where the claim is filed, and a Nashville attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. A North Carolina lawyer may also assist you with filing a claim with the EEOC as well as guide you to other possible remedies while the case is pending.