A federal judge’s written comments about a lawsuit against Kansas University underscores that both sides are far apart in a case in which a former KU police officer alleges he was fired unfairly.

David P. Haney, a white male, filed a lawsuit against KU in January claiming he was fired for what he described as a minor transgression – while minority officers committed “illegal and improper activities” without being fired.

James P. O’Hara, a U.S. magistrate judge in Topeka, reviewed settlement offers from both sides and suggested on Tuesday that Haney’s settlement terms were unrealistic.

“Accordingly, although the court declines to order this, it probably would behoove (Haney) to submit a much more realistic settlement offer, and to do so promptly,” O’Hara wrote.

The details of settlement reports are confidential, but O’Hara made reference to “nonfinancial” demands in Haney’s settlement offer that the court would be unable to enforce if Haney won the case in a trial.

O’Hara also wrote that Haney’s claim of “seven figure” future lost wages was not reduced to present value.

Both sides in the case submitted settlement reports as required in civil cases.

Haney, who is representing himself, had little to say about the case other than he was willing to go to trial and believed he could succeed.

Todd Cohen, KU spokesman, said the university won’t comment extensively while the case is in the courts.

“The case is in the process of discovery, and the university remains confident it will prevail in the end and it has a very strong position,” Cohen said.

Haney accused KU of reverse discrimination when he was terminated Jan. 10, 2006, after his girlfriend, a KU employee, had given him her campus e-mail password, which he said prompted the KUPD to investigate him for a computer-related crime.

The suit also claims that KUPD employees contacted the Washburn University Police Department, where Haney was hired after being fired from KU, and damaged his reputation there.