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 Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket Lawyer Help with My Claim?
Furthermore, in some circumstances, recorded employer statements regarding racial issues can be used to show their intent to discriminate. In this area of litigation, procedural laws will vary considerably depending on where the claim is filed, and a Pawtucket 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.