In New York, racial discrimination is illegal under both the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code. Employers are barred 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 issue to court. Race discrimination includes situations where an employer treats their employee differently from other employees who are of a different race or nationality.

To be able to prove a claim of racial discrimination, the Oswego plaintiff also needs to prove that the employer had an intent to discriminate, and that the discriminatory action was based on race. 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 an Oswego Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In some instances, intent to discriminate may also be established 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 an Oswego attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, a New York 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.