Case: EEOC v. Williamson County Cablevision Company (d/b/a Cox Communications)

1:02-cv-00341 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas

Filed Date: May 23, 2002

Closed Date: June 17, 2004

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

In May 2002, the San Antonio District Office of the EEOC filed this lawsuit against Cox Communications, Williamson County Cablevision Company, and Cox Classic Cable, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas alleging discrimination on the basis of color and national origin, Hispanic, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Specifically, the complaint alleged that the defendants subjected the complaining party to verbal abuse creating a hostile work environment, subjected the party to unequal discipline, and constructively discharged the complaining party. Following some discovery, the parties settled the lawsuit in June 2003 through a consent decree.

The one-year decree, containing anti-retaliation and discrimination clauses, required the defendant to: expunge the complainant's employment record, make no reference of the lawsuit when asked for a reference, and pay $99,000 to the complaining party.

Summary Authors

David Friedman (4/7/2008)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

1:02-cv-00341

Docket (PACER)

EEOC v. Williamson Cable

June 17, 2003

June 17, 2003

Docket
1

1:02-cv-00341

Complaint and Jury Trial Demand

EEOC v. Cox Communications

May 23, 2002

May 23, 2002

Complaint
9

1:02-cv-00341

Complaint in Intervention

EEOC v. Cox Communication

Sept. 11, 2002

Sept. 11, 2002

Complaint
25

1:02-cv-00341

Order [Regarding Plaintiff's Motion to Quash and for Protective Order]

EEOC v. Cox Communications

Jan. 8, 2003

Jan. 8, 2003

Order/Opinion
31

1:02-cv-00341

Cesar Mejias' First Amended Complaint in Intervention

EEOC and Mejias v. Cox Communications

Feb. 13, 2003

Feb. 13, 2003

Complaint
32

1:02-cv-00341

Plaintiff's First Amended Complaint

EEOC and Mejias v. Cox Communications

Feb. 13, 2003

Feb. 13, 2003

Complaint

1:02-cv-00341

EEOC Litigation Settlement Report - April 2003

EEOC v. Williamson County Cablevision Co d/b/a Cox Communications

No Court

April 30, 2003

April 30, 2003

Press Release
66

1:02-cv-00341

Consent Decree

EEOC and Mejias v. Williamson County Cablevision Company

June 17, 2003

June 17, 2003

Settlement Agreement

Resources

Docket

Last updated March 20, 2024, 3:19 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link

Case assigned to Honorable Sam Sparks (fe) (Entered: 05/24/2002)

May 23, 2002

May 23, 2002

1

Complaint filed. Filing Fee: waived (Pages: 6) (mc2) (Entered: 05/24/2002)

May 23, 2002

May 23, 2002

Court file prepared and forwarded to Judge Sparks. (mc2) (Entered: 05/24/2002)

May 24, 2002

May 24, 2002

2

Waiver of Service by Cox Communications; Notice and Request Mailed on 6/5/02; Answer due on 8/5/02 for Cox Communications (mc2) (Entered: 06/27/2002)

June 26, 2002

June 26, 2002

3

Answer by Cox Communications (mc2) (Entered: 07/22/2002)

July 22, 2002

July 22, 2002

4

Order that the parties confer and submit a proposed scheduling order by 9/20/02... (Noticed 7/24/02.) (mc2) (Entered: 07/24/2002)

July 23, 2002

July 23, 2002

5

Motion by Cesar Mejias for leave to file complaint in intervention (mc2) (Entered: 08/21/2002)

Aug. 21, 2002

Aug. 21, 2002

Received, Complaint in intervention by Cesar Mejias. (mc2) (Entered: 08/21/2002)

Aug. 21, 2002

Aug. 21, 2002

6

Joint motion by EEOC, Cox Communications to extend time - deadlines pursuant to FRCP 6(b) (deadlines that have not lapsed in 7/23/02 order be abated until 45 days after ruling on movant's motion to file intervenor complaint) (mc2) (Entered: 09/06/2002)

Sept. 6, 2002

Sept. 6, 2002

7

Order denying joint motion to extend time - deadlines pursuant to FRCP 6(b) (deadlines that have not lapsed in 7/23/02 order be abated until 45 days after ruling on movant's motion to file intervenor complaint) [6-1]. (Noticed 9/12/02.) (mc2) (Entered: 09/12/2002)

Sept. 11, 2002

Sept. 11, 2002

8

Order granting motion for leave to file complaint in intervention [5-1]. (Noticed 9/12/02.) (mc2) (Entered: 09/12/2002)

Sept. 11, 2002

Sept. 11, 2002

9

Intervenor's complaint (Pages: 9) by Cesar Mejias. (mc2) (Entered: 09/12/2002)

Sept. 11, 2002

Sept. 11, 2002

10

Joint report of meeting and joint discovery/case management plan under Rule 26(f) FRCP. (mc2) (Entered: 09/13/2002)

Sept. 13, 2002

Sept. 13, 2002

11

Joint Recommendations for scheduling order by EEOC, Cox Communications, Cesar Mejias (mc2) (Entered: 09/23/2002)

Sept. 20, 2002

Sept. 20, 2002

12

Answer by Cox Communications to intervenor complaint [9-1] (mc2) (Entered: 09/27/2002)

Sept. 26, 2002

Sept. 26, 2002

13

Scheduling order setting Joining of parties, amending of pleadings on 1/15/03 Deadline for filing of all motions 7/10/03 Discovery cutoff 6/9/03 ; Docket Call set for 11:00 8/29/03 ; Alternate Dispute Resolution Report due by 11/4/02. (Noticed 10/4/02.) (mc2) (Entered: 10/04/2002)

Oct. 4, 2002

Oct. 4, 2002

15

Motion by Cox Communications for Joseph M. Freeman to appear pro hac vice as co-counsel (mc2) (Entered: 11/18/2002)

Nov. 18, 2002

Nov. 18, 2002

16

Order granting motion for Joseph M. Freeman to appear pro hac vice as co-counsel [15-1]. (Noticed 11/25/02.) (mc2) (Entered: 11/25/2002)

Nov. 22, 2002

Nov. 22, 2002

Pro hac vice fee paid byJoseph M. Freeman with Amount: $ 25.00, Receipt # 340571. (mc2) (Entered: 12/03/2002)

Nov. 27, 2002

Nov. 27, 2002

17

Motion by EEOC to quash defendants 30(B)(6) deposition notice , and for protective order (mc2) (Entered: 12/13/2002)

Dec. 13, 2002

Dec. 13, 2002

18

Unopposed Motion by EEOC to supplement plaintiff EEOC's motion to quash defendant's 30(B)(6) deposition notice and for a protective order (mc2) (Entered: 12/20/2002)

Dec. 20, 2002

Dec. 20, 2002

19

Motion by Cox Communications for leave to enlarge page limitation for its response to P's Mtn. to Quash Deposition notice and for protective order (fe) (Entered: 12/24/2002)

Dec. 23, 2002

Dec. 23, 2002

20

Response by Cox Communications to Plaintiff's motion to quash defendants 30(B)(6) deposition notice [17-1] (fe) (Entered: 12/24/2002)

Dec. 23, 2002

Dec. 23, 2002

21

Order set status conference for 3:00 1/6/03 (fe) (Entered: 12/27/2002)

Dec. 27, 2002

Dec. 27, 2002

22

Reply by EEOC to response to motion to quash defendants 30(B)(6) deposition notice [17-1], motion for protective order [17-2] (td) (Entered: 01/03/2003)

Jan. 2, 2003

Jan. 2, 2003

23

Order granting motion for leave to enlarge page limitation for its response to P's Mtn. to Quash Deposition notice and for protective order [19-1] signed by Honorable Sam Sparks. (Noticed 1/6/03.) (mc2) (Entered: 01/06/2003)

Jan. 6, 2003

Jan. 6, 2003

24

Minutes of proceedings for motion hearing conducted on 1/6/03 by Judge Sparks. Court Reporter: Lily Reznik. (mc2) (Entered: 01/07/2003)

Jan. 6, 2003

Jan. 6, 2003

Status conference held re motions to quash, for protective order, and unopposed motion to supplement. Plaintiff to file in camera certain documents withheld from defendants as privileged with reasons for doing so; motions granted; written order to follow. (mc2) (Entered: 01/07/2003)

Jan. 6, 2003

Jan. 6, 2003

25

Order granting motion to supplement plaintiff EEOC's motion to quash defendant's 30(B)(6) deposition notice and for a protective order [18-1], granting motion to quash defendants 30(B)(6) deposition notice [17-1], granting motion for protective order [17-2]. FINALLY ORDERED that Plaintiff SHALL FILE with the Court for an in camera review by January 21, 2003 the portions of the EEOC investigative filed ... signed by Honorable Sam Sparks. (td) (Entered: 01/09/2003)

Jan. 8, 2003

Jan. 8, 2003

26

Tender of privileged documents for in camera inspection and Motion by EEOC to seal (in camera documents) (mc2) (Entered: 01/14/2003)

Jan. 13, 2003

Jan. 13, 2003

28

Motion by EEOC to amend complaint [1-1] (mc2) (Entered: 01/16/2003)

Jan. 15, 2003

Jan. 15, 2003

29

Motion by Cesar Mejias to amend intervenor complaint [9-1] (mc2) (Entered: 01/16/2003)

Jan. 15, 2003

Jan. 15, 2003

Received, Cesar Mejias' first amended complaint in intervention. (mc2) (Entered: 01/16/2003)

Jan. 15, 2003

Jan. 15, 2003

30

Order granting motion to amend intervenor complaint [9-1] [29-1], granting motion to amend complaint [1-1] [28-1] signed by Honorable Sam Sparks. (Noticed 2/14/03.) (mc2) (Entered: 02/14/2003)

Feb. 13, 2003

Feb. 13, 2003

31

First Amended intervenor's complaint by Cesar Mejias: amending intervenor complaint [9-1] (Pages: 9), adding Williamson County Cable Company and Cox Classic Cable, Inc. as defendants. (mc2) (Entered: 02/14/2003)

Feb. 13, 2003

Feb. 13, 2003

32

First Amended complaint by EEOC, amending complaint [1-1] (Pages: 7) (mc2) (Entered: 02/14/2003)

Feb. 13, 2003

Feb. 13, 2003

33

Opposed Joint motion by EEOC, Cesar Mejias to extend time - extend scheduling order deadlines (mc2) (Entered: 03/17/2003)

March 14, 2003

March 14, 2003

34

Waiver of Service by Williamson Cable, Cox Classic Cable; Notice and Request Mailed on 2/19/03 ; Answer due on 4/21/03 for Williamson Cable, for Cox Classic Cable (mc2) (Entered: 03/17/2003)

March 14, 2003

March 14, 2003

35

Combined Witness, Exhibit and Expert List by Cesar Mejias (fe) (Entered: 03/18/2003)

March 18, 2003

March 18, 2003

36

Certificate of service re: joint motion to extend scheduling order deadlines by Cesar Mejias (td) (Entered: 03/20/2003)

March 19, 2003

March 19, 2003

37

Order Motion hearing joint motion to extend time - extend scheduling order deadlines [33-1] for 2:00 3/26/03 signed by Honorable Sam Sparks. (Noticed 3/24/03.) (mc2) (Entered: 03/24/2003)

March 24, 2003

March 24, 2003

38

Memorandum by Cox Communications in opposition to joint motion to extend time - extend scheduling order deadlines [33-1] (mc2) (Entered: 03/26/2003)

March 25, 2003

March 25, 2003

39

Unopposed Motion by EEOC for leave to file plaintiff's designation of potential witnesses, testifying experts and proposed trial exhibits (mc2) (Entered: 03/26/2003)

March 26, 2003

March 26, 2003

40

Minutes of proceedings for motion hearing conducted on 3/26/03 by Judge Sparks. Court Reporter: Lily Reznik. (mc2) (Entered: 03/27/2003)

March 26, 2003

March 26, 2003

Motion hearing held for the following motions: [33-1] (mc2) (Entered: 03/27/2003)

March 26, 2003

March 26, 2003

Oral order by Honorable Sam Sparks denying joint motion to extend time - extend scheduling order deadlines [33-1] (mc2) (Entered: 03/27/2003)

March 26, 2003

March 26, 2003

41

Order denying joint motion to extend time - extend scheduling order deadlines [33-1] signed by Honorable Sam Sparks. (Noticed 3/28/03.) (mc2) (Entered: 03/28/2003)

March 28, 2003

March 28, 2003

42

Order granting motion for leave to file plaintiff's designation of potential witnesses, testifying experts and proposed trial exhibits [39-1] signed by Honorable Sam Sparks. (Noticed 4/1/03.) (mc2) (Entered: 04/01/2003)

April 1, 2003

April 1, 2003

43

Supplemental Witness List by Cesar Mejias (mc2) (Entered: 04/11/2003)

April 10, 2003

April 10, 2003

44

Advisory to the court filed by EEOC (td) (Entered: 04/16/2003)

April 16, 2003

April 16, 2003

45

Proposed designation of potential Witnesses and testifying experts List by Cox Communications (mc2) (Entered: 04/21/2003)

April 18, 2003

April 18, 2003

46

Designated of proposed Exhibit list by Cox Communications (mc2) (Entered: 04/21/2003)

April 18, 2003

April 18, 2003

47

Joint motion by EEOC, Cox Communications, Cesar Mejias for agreed protective order (mc2) (Entered: 04/21/2003)

April 18, 2003

April 18, 2003

48

Upposed Motion by Cox Communications for psychiatric exam - for mental examination of intervenor Cesar Mejias (mc2) (Entered: 04/21/2003)

April 18, 2003

April 18, 2003

49

Answer by Williamson Cable to first amended complaint of Cesar Mejias. (mc2) (Entered: 04/22/2003)

April 21, 2003

April 21, 2003

50

Answer by Cox Communications to amended complaint (mc2) (Entered: 04/22/2003)

April 21, 2003

April 21, 2003

51

Answer by Cox Classic Cable to first amended complaint of Cesar Mejias. (mc2) (Entered: 04/22/2003)

April 21, 2003

April 21, 2003

52

Separate Answer by Williamson Cable to first amended complaint (mc2) (Entered: 04/22/2003)

April 21, 2003

April 21, 2003

53

Separate Answer by Cox Communications to first amended complaint of Cesar Mejias. (mc2) (Entered: 04/22/2003)

April 21, 2003

April 21, 2003

Sent letter to Joseph Freeman, Ryan Shelton and W. Joseph Miguez re bar status. (mc2) (Entered: 04/22/2003)

April 22, 2003

April 22, 2003

54

Order granting motion for psychiatric exam - for mental examination of intervenor Cesar Mejias [48-1] signed by Honorable Sam Sparks, Cesar Mejias to submit on 4/25/03, 2:00 p.m. in Dr. James Kreisle, Jr.'s office... (mc2) (Entered: 04/22/2003)

April 22, 2003

April 22, 2003

55

Order granting joint motion for agreed protective order [47-1] signed by Honorable Sam Sparks (mc2) (Entered: 04/22/2003)

April 22, 2003

April 22, 2003

56

Order signed by Honorable Sam Sparks that any documents the parties wish to file under seal must be accompanied by a motion to seal... (mc2) (Entered: 04/22/2003)

April 22, 2003

April 22, 2003

57

Response by EEOC in opposition to motion for psychiatric exam - for mental examination of intervenor Cesar Mejias [48-1] (mc2) (Entered: 04/24/2003)

April 23, 2003

April 23, 2003

58

Joint motion by EEOC, Cox Communications, Cesar Mejias, Williamson Cable, Cox Classic Cable to extend time - discovery deadline (mc2) (Entered: 04/24/2003)

April 24, 2003

April 24, 2003

59

Order granting joint motion to extend time - discovery deadline [58-1] revising scheduling order deadlines: Discovery deadline on 6/23/03 signed by Honorable Sam Sparks (mc2) (Entered: 04/28/2003)

April 25, 2003

April 25, 2003

60

Supplemental Designation of rebuttal expert witnesses filed by Cesar Mejias (mc2) (Entered: 04/30/2003)

April 29, 2003

April 29, 2003

61

Advisory to the court filed by EEOC, Cox Communications, Cesar Mejias, Williamson Cable, Cox Classic Cable - parties settled case at mediation. (mc2) (Entered: 05/20/2003)

May 20, 2003

May 20, 2003

Per telephone w/Ryan Shelton this date, he will take necessary steps to rectify bar status for himself, Joseph Freeman and Joseph Miguez. (mc2) (Entered: 05/22/2003)

May 22, 2003

May 22, 2003

62

Joint motion by EEOC, Cesar Mejias, Williamson Cable to enter consent decree (mc2) (Entered: 06/17/2003)

June 16, 2003

June 16, 2003

63

Agreed Joint motion by EEOC, Cox Communications, Cesar Mejias, Williamson Cable, Cox Classic Cable to dismiss with prejudice as to Cox Communications, Cox Classic Cable and Cox Communications , and to change caption of the case (mc2) (Entered: 06/17/2003)

June 16, 2003

June 16, 2003

64

Agreed final judgment Order of dismissal, granting joint motion to dismiss with prejudice as to Cox Communications, Cox Classic Cable and Cox Communications [63-1] signed by Honorable Sam Sparks (mc2) (Entered: 06/17/2003)

June 17, 2003

June 17, 2003

65

Order granting joint motion to change caption of the case [63-2], deleting defendants Cox Communications, Cox Classic Cable and Cox Communications, signed by Honorable Sam Sparks (mc2) (Entered: 06/17/2003)

June 17, 2003

June 17, 2003

66

Consent judgment for EEOC, Cesar Mejias against Williamson Cable, $99,000 to Cesar Majias, signed by Honorable Sam Sparks (Pages: 7) (mc2) (Entered: 06/17/2003)

June 17, 2003

June 17, 2003

67

Order granting joint motion to enter consent decree [62-1], all parties to bear own costs and attorney's fees, signed by Honorable Sam Sparks (mc2) (Entered: 06/17/2003)

June 17, 2003

June 17, 2003

Case closed (mc2) (Entered: 06/17/2003)

June 17, 2003

June 17, 2003

Case Details

State / Territory: Texas

Case Type(s):

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

EEOC Study — in sample

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 23, 2002

Closing Date: June 17, 2004

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, on behalf of one or more workers.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

EEOC Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

EEOC

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Cox Classic Cable, Inc. (Georgetown, Texas), Private Entity/Person

Williamson County Cablevision Company (Georgetown, Texas), Private Entity/Person

Cox Communications (Georgetown, Texas), Private Entity/Person

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Title VII (including PDA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000e

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Monetary Relief

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Damages

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Amount Defendant Pays: 99000

Order Duration: 2003 - 2004

Content of Injunction:

Expungement of Employment Record

Neutral/Positive Reference

Discrimination Prohibition

Retaliation Prohibition

Post/Distribute Notice of Rights / EE Law

Issues

General:

Retaliation

Discrimination-area:

Disparate Treatment

Discharge / Constructive Discharge / Layoff

Discipline

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Other Conditions of Employment (including assignment, transfer, hours, working conditions, etc)

Discrimination-basis:

National origin discrimination

Race discrimination

EEOC-centric:

Direct Suit on Merits

Private Party intervened in EEOC suit

National Origin/Ethnicity:

Indian