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

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. Race or nationality discrimination involves an employer treating you differently than those you work with that are of other races or nationalities.

The Montoursville plaintiff must additionally be able to prove that the employer acted with intent to discriminate based on race in order to succeed in a racial discrimination claim. The employer's intent can often be proven by showing that other people of different races were treated preferentially.

How Can a Montoursville Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In some cases also, recorded statements made by the employer about racial issues can be used to show intent. Depending on where you file your claim, the procedural laws will vary greatly, and so a Montoursville lawyer will help familiarize you with the requirements for your district. 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.