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Settlement conference is advised in ‘pregnancy discrimination’ suit
David O. Carter
U.S. District Court for the NMI designated Judge David O. Carter advised yesterday the parties in a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit filed by a former biologist of the Department of Lands and Natural Resources’ Division of Fish and Wildlife to consider a settlement conference.
Carter heard the motions filed by the defendants that Dr. Anne M. Orlando named in her lawsuit. Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona had recused from the case.
Carter then placed the matter under advisement and stated that a written order would follow.
Orlando is suing DLNR and DFW officials for allegedly discriminating against her due to her pregnancy.
Robert Pickett argued in support of DLNR and DFW defendants. Rene Holmes represented Orlando.
Holmes insist that Orlando exhausted her administrative remedies and that the federal court should deny a motion to dismiss her complaint.
Holmes said there is also no lack of jurisdiction.
Holmes said the court should also deny defendants’ motion alleging misjoinder of parties in the lawsuit as DFW and the official-capacity defendants are proper parties.
DFW hired Orlando on Feb. 9, 2015, as a wildlife biologist supervisor. DPW renewed her contract for Oct. 1, 2016, through Sept. 30, 2017, according to court documents.
