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 Tennessee. According to such laws, an employer cannot use race as the basis for making decisions regarding hiring, recruitment, wage levels, or promotion offers.

What Must Be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

The federal agency that is in charge of investigations of workplace discrimination is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Before taking issues to court, employees that have been discriminated against must file their claim with the EEOC. Race or nationality discrimination involves an employer treating you adversely than those you work with that are of other races or nationalities.

To be successful in a racial discrimination claim, the Forest Hills employee must further show that their employee had the required intent to discriminate based upon the person's race. The employer's intent can often be shown by showing that other people of different races were treated preferentially.

How Can a Forest Hills 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. Procedural laws in this area of litigation differentiate considerably depending on where you file your claim, and a local Forest Hills lawyer will be familiar with requirements in your area. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, a Tennessee 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.