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 Rhode Island. 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 federal agency known as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has the power to conduct investigations of workplace discrimination, and employees must file their discrimination claims wih the EEOC prior to suing in a civil court. Race discrimination includes situations where an employer treats their employee differently from other employees who are of a different race or nationality.

The Charlestown plaintiff must additionally be able to show that the employer acted with intent to discriminate based on race in order to succeed in a racial discrimination claim. The required intent may be shown by evidence that the employer rendered preferential treatment to workers who are of a different race or nationality than the plaintiff.

How Can a Charlestown Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In some cases also, recorded statements made by the employer about racial issues can be used to show intent. In this area of litigation, procedural laws will vary considerably depending on where the claim is filed, and a Charlestown attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, a Rhode Island lawyer will be able to help you out, and they can also point you towards other forms of remedies available to you while your claim is pending.