In New York, racial discrimination is prohibited under both the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code. Employers are prohibited according to theses laws from using race as a basis for hiring, recruitment, setting wage levels, or granting promotions.
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 New York plaintiff must further be able to prove that the employer acted with intent to discriminate based on race in order to succeed in a racial discrimination claim. Proof of an employer's intent to discriminate can be shown if they have preferentially treated workers of different races than the plaintiff.
How Can a New York Lawyer Help with My Claim?
In certain instances, intent to discriminate may also be proven 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 New York attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. A New York 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.