Equal Employment Opportunity Laws (continued)

Civil Rights Act of 1991

The Civil Rights Act of 1991 allowed for jury trials and compensatory and punitive damages in cases brought under Title VII or the ADA. It placed a statutory limit of $300,000 on punitive damages awarded for emotional pain and suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, or loss of enjoyment of life. It also established the Glass Ceiling Commission.

Note: The "glass ceiling" refers to an unofficial, invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from advancing within an organization.

• For more information, see also the EEOC Fact Sheet on The Civil Rights Act of 1991.