by the United States government

“ Merit principles; "personnel action" defined (1) All personnel actions with respect to career members and career candidates in the Service (including applicants for career candidate appointments) shall be made in accordance with merit principles. ”

“ For purposes of paragraph (1) , the term "personnel action" means-- (A) any appointment, promotion, assignment (including assignment to any position or salary class) , award of performance pay or special differential, within-class salary increase, separation, or performance evaluation, and (B) any decision, recommendation, examination, or ranking provided for under this chapter which relates to any action referred to in subparagraph (A) . (b) Rules and regulations; discrimination ”

“ Minority recruitment program (1) The Secretary shall establish a minority recruitment program for the Service consistent with section 7201 of title 5. (2) Omitted. (e) Applicability to other judicial or statutory rights or remedies This section shall not be construed to extinguish or lessen any effort to achieve equal employment opportunity through affirmative action or any right or remedy available to any employee or applicant for employment in the civil service under-- (1) section 2000e-16 of title 42, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin ”