Under which law can victims of racial discrimination in employment potentially file claims?

Victims of racial discrimination in employment can potentially file claims under Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866. This section specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of race in the making and enforcement of contracts, which includes employment contracts. It is an important federal law that provides individuals with the right to seek damages if they experience discrimination based on their race during the hiring process, in job assignments, promotions, and other employment-related activities.

This legal provision allows for both compensatory and punitive damages, making it a powerful tool for individuals seeking justice for discrimination. The historical context of Section 1981 is also significant; it was one of the first federal laws aimed at protecting the rights of former slaves and their descendants in the United States.

In contrast, Title IX primarily addresses sex discrimination in educational institutions, the Equal Employment Opportunity Act focuses on provisions made by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Fair Labor Standards Act mainly deals with wage and hour laws rather than discrimination per se. Therefore, Section 1981 stands out as the most relevant law for addressing racial discrimination in employment.