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 Oregon. 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?

The federal agency known as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has the authority to conduct investigations of workplace discrimination, and employees must file their discrimination claims wih the EEOC prior to suing in a civil court. To prove racial discrimination, an employer must treat an employee differently than co-workers who are of a different race or nationality.

To succeed on a claim of racial discrimination, the Umatilla plaintiff must further prove that his employer acted with an intent to discriminate based on race or nationality. The employer's intent can often be proven by showing that other people of different races were treated preferentially.

How Can an Umatilla Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Recorded statements about racial issues that were made by the employer can also be used in some cases to prove intent. Depending on where you file your claim, the procedural laws will vary greatly, and so an Umatilla lawyer will help familiarize you with the requirements for your district. An Oregon 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.