A judge ruled Friday that ousted Kansas University Alumni Association director Fred Williams must settle a dispute with his former employer behind closed doors with an arbitrator, not in court.

Douglas County District Judge Michael Malone found that even though part of Fred Williams’ contract with the alumni association was poorly written, it was clear the two parties “agreed to arbitrate, not litigate, disputes between them.”

Williams had argued against arbitrating the case in private, saying his contract didn’t require it. The purpose of arbitration, according to Williams’ contract, is to preserve confidentiality and to protect business reputations.

Malone ordered all proceedings in the lawsuit to stop until arbitration is finished. If Williams isn’t happy with the results, he can then appeal Malone’s decision to send the case to arbitration.

The association’s board of directors fired Williams in May after he’d held KU’s top alumni job for 21 years. He claimed he was never given a specific reason, and in August he sued for more than $2.2 million, alleging breach of contract and defamation.

In a written response to the suit, the alumni association said Williams had been warned to “cease his negative conduct” toward KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway and other university leaders.

The association also accused Williams of failing to properly supervise employees and of disregarding admonitions that he not retaliate against employees he suspected of being “whistle-blowers.”

KU alumni group wants Williams lawsuit dropped (11-11-04) Response disputes Williams’ claims (10-06-04) Ousted alumni director sues (08-28-04)

Williams’ attorney, Roger D. Stanton, declined comment Friday on the ruling. An attorney representing the alumni association couldn’t be reached for comment.