Manglona directed the clerk of court to refer this matter immediately to U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Chief Judge Alex Kozinski for reassignment to another judge.
United Micronesia Development Associates Inc., for its part, has agreed to indemnify Palms Resort Saipan in this matter. UMDA owns the hotel, which is no longer in business.
“This disclosure is made so that the court may consider the possibility of recusal,” stated attorney Michael Dotts, who is representing the defendants.
It was not explained, however, why Manglona recused herself.
The court has scheduled a jury trial for Sept. 24, 2012.
There will be settlement conference on Dec. 20, 2011, and June 27 2012, according to court documents.
Jane Quitugua, through attorney Stephen Woodruff, sued The Palms for discrimination.
Quitugua’s employment as senior assistant front office manager was abruptly terminated, which the defendant denied.
