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, determining pay or offering promotions.
What Must Be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?
Before taking their discrimination claim to court, an employee must file their claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is the federal agency which has authority to investigate any claims of discrimination in the workplace. To prove racial discrimination, an employer must treat an employee differently than co-workers who are of a different race or nationality.
To be able to prove a claim of racial discrimination, the Reston plaintiff further needs to show that the employer had an intent to discriminate, and that the discriminatory action was based on race. This intent is most often proven by showing that the employer preferentially treated those of other races and nationalities.
How Can a Reston 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. Depending on where you file your claim, the procedural laws will vary greatly, and so a Reston lawyer will help familiarize you with the requirements for your district. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, a Virginia 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.