Under the U.S. Constitution, as well as Title VII of the U.S. Code, it is prohibited 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 Ponca City plaintiff further 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 Ponca City Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Additionally, in some circumstances, recorded employer statements regarding racial issues can be used to show their intent to discriminate. Procedural laws in this area of litigation vary greatly depending on where you file your claim, and a local Ponca 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 types of remedies available to you while your claim is pending.