(a) No question in any form of application or in any examination shall be so framed as to elicit information concerning the political or religious opinions or affiliations or race, age or sex of any applicant, nor shall any inquiry be made concerning such opinions or affiliations, and all disclosure thereof shall be discountenanced. No discriminations shall be exercised, threatened, or promised by any person in the government service against or in favor of any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention or any other personnel action, because of political or religious opinions or affiliations or because of race, age or sex, national origin, or any other nonmerit factor.
(b) Any applicant or employee who has reason to believe that he has been discriminated against because of religious or political opinions or affiliations or race, age or sex or national origin in any personnel action may appeal to the Board. The appellant and the person responsible for the alleged discriminatory action shall have the right to be heard and to present evidence. If the Board finds that there was discrimination on any of the above nonmerit factors it shall order appropriate corrective action and its decision shall be final.
(c) The limitation for filing a claim under this section is 180 days from the date the alleged discriminatory conduct is known by the applicant or the employee.
(d) The Government shall promote the prevention of workplace discrimination and inform all applicants and employees of their rights against workplace discrimination, harassment and retaliation.