The appointment, promotion and tenure of every employee shall be based upon the merit and fitness and the satisfactory performance of the duties and responsibilities assigned. No employee or applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, national origin, genetic testing, or political affiliation. [Ord. 18-09 § 1; Res. 18-24; Code 2004 § 3-262.]