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

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 matters to court, employees who have been discriminated against must file their claim with the EEOC. Racial discrimination claims involve situations where an employers treat workers differently than other workers who are of a different race.

In order to succeed on a claim for racial discrimination, the Waverly plaintiff must also prove that their employer intended to base the discrimination on race or nationality. Proof of an employer's intent to discriminate can be shown if they have preferentially treated workers of different races than the plaintiff.

How Can a Waverly Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In some cases also, recorded statements made by the employer about racial issues can be used to establish intent. In this area of litigation, procedural laws will vary greatly depending on where the claim is filed, and a Waverly attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. 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 types of remedies available to you while your claim is pending.