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 Pennsylvania. 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.

In order to succeed on a claim for racial discrimination, the Allegheny County plaintiff must further prove that their employer intended to base the discrimination on race or nationality. This intent is most often proven by showing that the employer preferentially treated those of other races and nationalities.

How Can an Allegheny County 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. Laws of procedure vary greatly in this area of law depending on where you file your claim, and local Allegheny County lawyers will be familiarized with the requirements of your geographical region. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, a Pennsylvania 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.