The U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code both make racial discrimination illegal in the state of Utah. According to these laws, employers may not take race into account when hiring, recruiting, deciding pay or offering promotions.

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 discrimination includes situations where an employer treats their employee differently from other employees who are of a different race or nationality.

To succeed on a claim of racial discrimination, the Utah County plaintiff must further show that his employer acted with an intent to discriminate based on race or nationality. Intent may be shown by demonstrating that the employer gave preferential treatment to people of other races or nationalities.

How Can an Utah County Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In some instances, intent to discriminate may also be proven 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 Utah County lawyer will be familiar with requirements in your area. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, an Utah 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.