032474 A PSYCHOLOGIST who does Witchcraft WINS JOB RULING

Advocate of Witchcraft Had Been Dismissed in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan., March 23-Robert J. Williams, who says he is a practicing warlock, has been ordered reinstated in his job as chief psychologist at the Kansas State Industrial Reformatory at Hutchinson, Kan.

The State Civil Service Commission this week ordered the reformatory superintendent, Kenneth G. Oliver, to reinstate Mr. Williams with back pay to Jan. 18, when he was dismissed.

Curt T. Schneider, an assistant Attorney General representing Mr. Oliver, said the decision would probably be appealed to the District Court.

Mr. Williams contended during a commission hearing that he was dismissed after it became public knowledge that he was a practicing warlock-a violation of the state's antidiscrimination law. However,

Mr. Oliver maintained that the psychologist was dismissed because he had lost his ability to work with inmates after the disclosure.

Mr. Williams, a psychologist at the reformatory since 1968, said he was initiated as a warlock in August, 1973. "It could be equivalent to a lodge initiation," he told the commission.

He said that his beliefs did not include devil worship, nor do they allow cures and animal sacrifices.

Mr. Schneider contended that if Mr. Williams could not prove he was a warlock, he could not insist he wad dismissed because he believed in witchcraft.

Mr. Williams was asked if he considered the practice of witchcraft socially acceptable.

"Yes," he replied. "Then why is it so secretive?" Mr. Schneider asked.

"History speaks for itself," Mr. Williams said.

Mr. Oliver said there would have been nothing wrong with Mr. William's witchcraft activities if he had not made them public.

Mr. Williams has filed two associated lawsuits. One seeks damages from The Wichita Eagle, charging breach of confidentiality and invasion of privacy in stories disclosing his beliefs. The other was filed against Mr. Oliver, alleging deprivation of civil rights.