The U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code both make racial discrimination illegal in the state of Washington. 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?

Federal investigations of workplace discrimination are done by the agency called the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Employees who are victims of discrimination are required to file their claim with the EEOC before filing suit in a court of law. To prove racial discrimination, an employer must treat an employee adversely than co-workers who are of a different race or nationality.

In order to succeed on a claim for racial discrimination, the East Wenatchee plaintiff must additionally show that their employer intended to base the discrimination 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 East Wenatchee Lawyer Help with My Claim?

Recorded statements about racial issues that were made by the employer can also be used in some cases to show intent. Procedural laws in this area of litigation differentiate considerably depending on where you file your claim, and a local East Wenatchee lawyer will be familiar with requirements in your area. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, a Washington 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.