MEMO

Date: June 30, 2019

To: Dr. Doug Swanson, PR Director

From: Andreina Torres

Human Relations Assistant
Human Relations Dept.
Ext. 105
andreina.torres@csu.fullerton.edu

Subject: Piney Woods Lumber Company Lawsuit

Matt Martinez, Junior Tree Toper, filed a lawsuit on June 30 against Piney Woods Lumber Co.,
Bob Burrus, and Jim Haskins in which he claims the publication of private facts under libel. The
suit came to rise after his employee profile was published in the May 30 edition of the Mount
Reavis Daily News. After carefully reviewing the case and the statements given, below you will
find my professional recommendations on the matter.

The U.S. Constitution doesn’t guarantee a citizen’s right to privacy; however, communication
laws do protect some areas of privacy. Martinez was encouraged to speak openly and honestly
after being assured complete confidentiality during his interview with Bob Burruss and Jim
Haskins. Because of the First Amendment, publications of this nature can reach a gray area when
it comes to legal consequences. However, Martinez did not have a cause to file a lawsuit because
his manslaughter conviction was clearly stated in his employee personnel file under the
company’s dominion. Martinez has been a loyal employee of ours for 10 plus years with
exemplary behavior and his convictions have been under company knowledge since his
background check during his hiring process.

Prior to writing the employee profile, Burruss and Haskins obtained a written agreement from
Martinez to proceed with the publication. However, Burruss and Haskins should have been direct
with Martinez by letting him know the way the story as going to be framed. Martinez only
agreed on the piece because of the positive employee profiles he had read before. Although the
profile had subsequent emphasis on his recovery, it was still a straightforward retelling of his
interview, which he gave off the record in full confidentiality. Burrus and Haskins could have
also avoided legal problems by not promising complete confidentiality at the time of the
interviews.

Piney Woods Lumber Co. can argue against Martinez by stating he gave his voluntary written
permission to writing the employee profile. Burrus and Haskins should not be held liable as
individuals. Unfortunately, the two made a poor ethical decision that was contradictory to our
company’s beliefs.

As the PR specialist, Burruss should have refrained from mentioning Martinez’s manslaughter
conviction. The addition of his employee profile in the newspaper was to influence other workers
to join the alcohol rehabilitation program. Martinez’s ability to overcome his alcoholism was the
only factor relevant to reach the desired objective of the profile.

Based off the case report, it is evident that both parties were not in agreeance for the way the
employee profile was framed. I strongly advise additional training that abides to our company’s
beliefs of Public Relations Specialist Bob Burruss and Personnel Director Jim Haskins. In the
future I strongly advise Piney Woods personnel to conduct all interviews on record with
complete stated and written transparency from both parties.

Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Thank you.