A SETTLEMENT has been reached in the discrimination lawsuit filed by a former wildlife biologist against the Department of Lands and Natural Resources-Division of Fish and Wildlife and its officials.
District Court for the NMI Designated Judge David O. Carter on Tuesday granted the parties’ stipulation and dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice. “With prejudice” means that it cannot be refiled.
In 2018, Dr. Anne Orlando, in her complaint, alleged that DLNR Secretary Anthony Benavente, DFW Director Manuel Pangelinan, and former DFW Acting Director Mike Tenorio discriminated against her due to her pregnancy.
She further claimed that the defendants “constructively terminated” her by failing to pay her salary, wages and or/leave time and benefits.
Orlando alleged violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: discrimination, retaliation, and breach of contract.
She asked the court for an order directing the defendants to pay her earned and unpaid salary, leave time, repatriation costs, damages for medical fees, lost or damaged household goods, and other court costs.
According to the stipulation of the parties, Orlando and the CNMI government have executed a confidential settlement agreement and release, and that the parties are bound by this agreement.
The federal court will retain jurisdiction to enforce the settlement and all of its terms, the stipulation added.
The stipulation was signed by attorney Mark Scoggins, who represents the plaintiff, and Assistant Attorney General Keisha Blaise, who represents the government.
The United States Courthouse in Gualo Rai, Saipan.
