Under the U.S. Constitution, as well as Title VII of the U.S. Code, it is illegal 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, determining pay or offering promotions.

What Must Be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

Before taking their discrimination claim to court, an employee must file their claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is the federal agency which has authority to investigate any claims of discrimination in the workplace. To prove racial discrimination, an employer must treat an employee differently than co-workers who are of a different race or nationality.

To be able to prove a claim of racial discrimination, the Piedmont plaintiff also needs to show that the employer had an intent to discriminate, and that the discriminatory action was based on race. The employer's intent can often be proven by showing that other people of different races were treated preferentially.

How Can a Piedmont 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 greatly, and so a Piedmont lawyer will help familiarize you with the requirements for your district. An Oklahoma 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.