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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke Lawyer Help with My Claim?
Additionally, in some circumstances, recorded employer statements regarding racial issues can be used to show their intent to discriminate. Laws of procedure vary greatly in this area of law depending on where you file your claim, and local Roanoke lawyers will be familiarized with the requirements of your geographical region. 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.