The Civil Rights Act of 1991, an additional amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, addresses the damages that can be awarded in discrimination suits. The new legislation substantially relaxed limits on both compensatory and punitive damages that can be awarded to victims of intentional discrimination or harassment.
The 1991 amendment also extended protection to employees of United States-based companies when they are working abroad.
This act also established the Glass Ceiling Commission, which focuses on opportunities for advancement for women and minorities.
The Glass Ceiling Commission addresses the under-representation of women and minorities in top management positions. The commission examines not only the opportunities available for women and minorities, but also the preparation they receive to be qualified for these positions.
This commission has highlighted some very important information, including one widespread misconception that women were leaving certain companies to start families. Only too late did many employers realize that their female employees left for positions with competitors who offered more advancement opportunities for women.