Under the U.S. Constitution, as well as Title VII of the U.S. Code, it is banned to discriminate on the basis of race in the state of Ohio. According to these laws, employers may not take race into account when hiring, recruiting, deciding pay or offering promotions.

What Must Be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

The federal agency that is in charge of investigations of workplace discrimination is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Before taking issues to court, employees that have been discriminated against must file their claim with the EEOC. Race discrimination includes situations where an employer treats their employee differently from other employees who are of a different race or nationality.

To succeed on a claim of racial discrimination, the Shaker Heights plaintiff must additionally show that his employer acted with an intent to discriminate based on race or nationality. 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 Shaker Heights Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Recorded statements about racial issues that were made by the employer can also be used in some cases to show intent. Laws governing the procedures in discrimination will vary considerably depending on where the claim is filed, and Shaker Heights attorneys will be able to help you with the requirements for your particular region. An experienced Ohio lawyer will also help you in filing your claim with the EEOC, as well as helping you obtain other forms of relief while your claim is being processed.