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 determining wages and promotion offers.

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

To be able to prove a claim of racial discrimination, the Wilkinsburg plaintiff further needs to show that the employer had an intent to discriminate, and that the discriminatory action was based on race. The employer's intent can often be proven by showing that other people of different races were treated preferentially.

How Can a Wilkinsburg 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 Wilkinsburg attorneys will be able to help you with the requirements for your particular region. An experienced Pennsylvania lawyer will also assist you in filing your claim with the EEOC, as well as helping you obtain other types of relief while your claim is being processed.