February 16, 2003	  	 
  Williams: University failed to comply 
with severance agreement

MARIETTA ã Life University¼s former president Dr. Sid Williams has 
filed a lawsuit 
02/16/03


By Phillip Giltman
Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer
 
MARIETTA ã Life University¼s former president Dr. Sid Williams has 
filed a lawsuit against the school he founded 28 years ago, claiming 
the Marietta institution breached his severance agreement.
At the urging of the university¼s board of trustees, Williams left the 
school in July after Life lost its chiropractic accreditation. 
The lawsuit states that Life University has failed to live up to one 
aspect of the contract ã the transfer of the B.J. Palmer Historic 
Home Foundation in Sarasota, Fla.
Williams and his wife, Dr. Nell Williams, serve as organizers and 
administrators for the tourist attraction, the lawsuit states. 
The lawsuit seeks the transfer of the Palmer House and unspecified 
monetary damages. 
The separation agreements ã signed by both Williams and his wife 
ã were approved on Sept. 23 by Life¼s Board of Trustees Chairman 
Dr. Chuck Ribley. 
The lawsuit ã filed Dec. 30 in Sarasota County Circuit Court ã 
states that the university is refusing to release the Palmer House 
because it suspects the Williams have kept property that belongs to 
the school. Neither Williams nor Life officials could not be reached 
for further comment.
The separation agreement states that both parties ã Williams and 
Life ã shall return „any and all property belonging to each other,¾ 
according to the lawsuit.
According to the lawsuit, the Williams satisfied their obligations, and 
Life tendered a draft deed for the purpose of achieving the transfer 
of property.
„On Nov. 20, 82 days after (Williams¼) performance had been 
completed as specified in the separation agreement, (Life) 
intentionally refused to authorize the transfer of the property for 
reasons not supported by terms of the separation agreement,¾ the 
lawsuit states.
Williams¼ attorney, Daniel Mitchell, sent a letter to Life attorney 
Frank Strickland in November stating that refusal to transfer the B.J. 
Palmer House defies the separation agreement and is „improper 
and unlawful.¾
Strickland responded that the Board of Trustees had been 
conducting an investigation regarding personal property that 
Williams may have removed from the university¼s facilities.
„We invite your clients to provide the university with a list of 
personal property which was removed,¾ the letter states.
Williams claims that Life is liable for the damages resulting from the 
breach of contract, according to the lawsuit.
„The breach by (Life) by its failure to convey the property has and 
continues to cause additional expenses in operating the B.J. Historic 
Foundation,¾ the lawsuit states.