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?
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 that has authority to investigate any claims of discrimination in the workplace. To prove racial discrimination, an employer must treat an employee adversely than co-workers who are of a different race or nationality.
To be successful in a racial discrimination claim, the Tulsa employee must additionally show that their employee had the required intent to discriminate based upon the person's race. 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 a Tulsa 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 Tulsa 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.