What is the Civil Rights Act of 1991?

The Civil Rights Act of 1991 is a landmark piece of legislation that builds upon the original Civil Rights Act of 1964. It was enacted to strengthen and expand protections against discrimination in the workplace. The Act aimed to ensure equal opportunity and fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Key Provisions

The Civil Rights Act of 1991 introduced several key provisions to combat discrimination in the workplace. These include:

• Providing the right to trial by jury for discrimination claims
• Allowing for the recovery of punitive damages in cases of intentional discrimination
• Expanding the scope of compensatory damages that can be awarded to victims of discrimination

Impact

This legislation had a significant impact on employment law and anti-discrimination efforts. It reinforced the importance of upholding equal rights in the workplace, promoting diversity and inclusion, and ensuring that individuals are protected from discriminatory practices. The Civil Rights Act of 1991 also helped advance affirmative action initiatives and promote workplace equality.