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. Employers may not take race into account according to these laws when hiring or recruiting workers, or when deciding wages and promotion offers.

What Must Be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency in charge of investigating workplace discrimination, and employees discriminated against must file a claim with the EEOC before taking the issue to court. Race discrimination includes situations where an employer treats their employee differently from other employees who are of a different race or nationality.

To be successful in a racial discrimination claim, the Hamburg employee must further show that their employee had the required intent to discriminate based upon the person's race. Intent may be shown by demonstrating that the employer gave preferential treatment to people of other races or nationalities.

How Can a Hamburg Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In some cases also, recorded statements made by the employer about racial issues can be used to prove intent. Laws governing the procedures in discrimination will vary greatly depending on where the claim is filed, and Hamburg attorneys will be able to help you with the requirements for your particular region. A good Pennsylvania attorney will also be able to help you should you decide to file with the EEOC, and they can guide you towards other potential remedies while your case is pending.