When an organization engages in reckless discrimination and fails to act in good faith, a...

Courts may award punitive damages when an employer’s discriminatory behavior is found to be intentional, malicious, or recklessly indifferent to federally protected rights. Punitive damages are meant to punish and deter similar misconduct.

Official Extract:

"Punitive damages may be awarded in cases of intentional discrimination where the employer acted with malice or reckless indifference to the employee’s rights."

(Source: HRCI PHR Content Outline 2024–2025, Employee and Labor Relations Section, Remedies and Penalties for Discrimination)