Under the U.S. Constitution, as well as Title VII of the U.S. Code, it is illegal 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 Warwick plaintiff also needs to prove that the employer had an intent to discriminate, and that the discriminatory action was based on race. Intent may be shown by demonstrating that the employer gave preferential treatment to people of other races or nationalities.
How Can a Warwick Lawyer Help with My Claim?
In some instances, intent to discriminate may also be established by using recorded statements by the employer regarding racial issues. Procedural laws in this area of litigation differentiate considerably depending on where you file your claim, and a local Warwick lawyer will be familiar with requirements in your area. 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.