The U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code both make racial discrimination illegal in the state of Virginia. 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 Annandale plaintiff must also show that his employer acted with an intent to discriminate based on race or nationality. Proof of an employer's intent to discriminate can be proven if they have preferentially treated workers of different races than the plaintiff.
How Can an Annandale Lawyer Help with My Claim?
Furthermore, in some circumstances, recorded employer statements regarding racial issues can be used to prove their intent to discriminate. Procedural laws in this area of litigation differentiate considerably depending on where you file your claim, and a local Annandale lawyer will be familiar with requirements in your area. An experienced Virginia lawyer will also guide you in filing your claim with the EEOC, as well as helping you obtain other forms of relief while your claim is being processed.