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 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.

To be able to prove a claim of racial discrimination, the Hopkinton plaintiff further needs to prove that the employer had an intent to discriminate, and that the discriminatory action was based on race. This intent is most often shown by proving that the employer preferentially treated those of other races and nationalities.

How Can a Hopkinton 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 considerably in this area of law depending on where you file your claim, and local Hopkinton lawyers will be familiarized with the requirements of your geographical region. 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.