MEMORIALIZATION AND CROSS-AGENCY ACCOUNTABILITY FRAMEWORK
NOTICE OF COMPREHENSIVE RECORD MEMORIALIZATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY STRUCTURE
This section establishes the comprehensive framework for memorializing all statements, assertions, and representations made by Cox Communications, its principals, executives, agents, and counsel in this matter. It further establishes the cross-agency accountability structure, identifies and preemptively addresses potential evasion tactics, and sets forth the consequences of non-compliance with the demands for sworn verification and substantiation contained herein.
I. COMPREHENSIVE MEMORIALIZATION OF ALL STATEMENTS AND REPRESENTATIONS
The following are hereby formally memorialized as part of the permanent administrative and judicial record:
- Position Statement in its Entirety: The Cox Communications April 2025 Position Statement is memorialized in its entirety, not merely in selected excerpts. Any attempt to disavow, disclaim, or selectively acknowledge portions of this document will be treated as evidence of bad faith and obstruction.
- All Related Communications: All emails, internal chats, system notes, and other communications by Cox principals, executives, managers, HR personnel, or agents regarding the Complainant's employment, leave, accommodation, discipline, or this EEOC matter are likewise memorialized as part of the integrated record.
- System Entries and Audit Logs: All Workday, PeopleSoft, ServiceNow, payroll, and other system entries, modifications, or actions taken by Cox personnel regarding the Complainant are memorialized as part of the integrated record.
- Executive Knowledge and Inaction: The knowledge, awareness, and inaction of Cox executives and compliance officers—including but not limited to Kia Painter, Lakita Gaines, Jennifer Melton, and others—regarding the violations, retaliation, and non-compliance at issue are memorialized as part of the integrated record.
II. IDENTIFIED EVASION TACTICS AND PREEMPTIVE COUNTERMEASURES
The following are six common evasion tactics that respondents may attempt to employ to avoid accountability, along with the preemptive countermeasures that are hereby established:
Evasion Tactic #1: "The position statement was prepared by outside counsel without our knowledge or approval."
Countermeasure: Under agency law and professional responsibility rules, counsel's representations bind the client. Cox Communications is deemed to have reviewed, approved, and adopted all statements made on its behalf. Further, the position statement was necessarily based on information, documents, and representations provided by Cox personnel. Each principal who provided information for the position statement must provide a sworn affidavit regarding the accuracy and completeness of the information they provided.
Evasion Tactic #2: "We withdraw/disavow the position statement and will submit a new one."
Countermeasure: The original position statement is permanently memorialized and cannot be withdrawn, retracted, or replaced. Any subsequent "correction" or "clarification" will be treated as an admission that the original statement contained false or misleading information. Further, the intertwined evidentiary chain means that system records, emails, and other communications independently corroborate the violations at issue, making it impossible to "fix" the record through a single document withdrawal.
Evasion Tactic #3: "The individuals named had no personal knowledge or involvement."
Countermeasure: Each principal identified in this motion has been linked to specific emails, system actions, or communications that demonstrate their knowledge, involvement, or responsibility. Any claim of non-involvement must be made under oath and will be tested against the documentary record. Further, executives and compliance officers had a duty to know and intervene once notified of potential violations, making their claimed ignorance itself a breach of duty.
Evasion Tactic #4: "These are merely technical or procedural issues, not substantive violations."
Countermeasure: The pattern of procedural violations, false statements, and non-compliance constitutes substantive evidence of retaliation, bad faith, and systemic failures. Courts and agencies routinely recognize that procedural violations can themselves constitute evidence of discriminatory intent or retaliation. See McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green, 411 U.S. 792 (1973); Reeves v. Sanderson Plumbing Products, Inc., 530 U.S. 133 (2000).
Evasion Tactic #5: "The EEOC lacks jurisdiction over some of these claims."
Countermeasure: While certain claims may fall under the primary jurisdiction of other agencies (DOL, DOJ, etc.), the EEOC has a duty to preserve the complete record and refer matters to appropriate agencies under the EEOC-DOL-DOJ MOU (2018, revised 2022). Further, evidence of payroll manipulation, FMLA interference, or other violations is directly relevant to the pattern of retaliation and discrimination at issue in this EEOC charge. The cross-agency mirroring of this motion ensures that all claims will be reviewed by the appropriate oversight bodies regardless of any jurisdictional determination by the EEOC.
Evasion Tactic #6: "We need more time to investigate these allegations."
Countermeasure: Cox has had ample time to investigate and respond to these issues, many of which were raised directly with executives and HR as early as June 2024 (see EthicsPoint Claim #630441559501). Any request for additional time must be accompanied by a sworn statement explaining why Cox failed to investigate earlier, what steps have been taken to date, and what specific additional investigation is needed. Further, any extension must be conditioned on the immediate production of all documents and records already in Cox's possession.
III. CROSS-AGENCY ACCOUNTABILITY AND REPORTING STRUCTURE
This motion and all related filings are being transmitted to the following agencies and oversight bodies to ensure comprehensive review and accountability:
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – For investigation of discrimination, retaliation, and ADA violations
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) – For investigation of FMLA interference, wage violations, and payroll fraud
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Civil Rights Division – For investigation of pattern or practice violations and potential systemic discrimination
- Virginia Office of the State Inspector General (OSIG) – For investigation of state-level employment violations and ethics breaches
- Office of the Governor of Virginia – For oversight of state contractor compliance and ethics
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – For review of potential violations of corporate disclosure requirements and fiduciary duties
- General Services Administration (GSA) – For review of federal contractor compliance requirements
IV. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTOR COMPLIANCE AND ETHICAL STANDARDS
As a government contractor at both the federal and state levels, Cox Communications is subject to heightened compliance and ethical standards, including:
- Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) § 52.222-26 – Equal Opportunity clause requiring affirmative compliance with EEO laws
- Executive Order 11246 – Prohibiting discrimination and requiring affirmative action by federal contractors
- 41 C.F.R. § 60-1.4 – Contractor obligations regarding non-discrimination and non-retaliation
- FAR § 52.203-13 – Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct
- Cox's own Code of Conduct – As filed with the SEC and published to shareholders and the public
Violations of these standards can result in: