All employees are selected on the basis of merit, character, training, experience, physical fitness, and compliance with applicable retirement and pension plan requirements. It is the policy of the Village not to discriminate against a person because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge from the military service, or other protected characteristic. Every person will be given an equal opportunity for employment with the Village, and the Village shall comply strictly with all State and Federal labor laws and legislation. (2017 Code)