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 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.

In order to succeed on a claim for racial discrimination, the Oak Ridge plaintiff must also show that their employer intended to base the discrimination on race or nationality. This intent is most often shown by proving that the employer preferentially treated those of other races and nationalities.

How Can an Oak Ridge 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. Depending on where you file your claim, the procedural laws will vary considerably, and so an Oak Ridge lawyer will help familiarize you with the requirements for your district. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, a North Carolina 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.