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 Oklahoma. 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. Racial discrimination claims involve situations where an employers treat employees differently than other employees who are of a different race.

To succeed on a claim of racial discrimination, the Elk City plaintiff must additionally show that his employer acted with an intent to discriminate based on race or nationality. Proof of an employer's intent to discriminate can be proven if they have preferentially treated workers of different races than the plaintiff.

How Can an Elk City 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. Procedural laws in this area of litigation differentiate considerably depending on where you file your claim, and a local Elk City lawyer will be familiar with requirements in your area. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, an Oklahoma 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.