University of Wyoming's Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority Lawsuit Challenges House Rules on Transgender Women's Inclusion

University of Wyoming Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority transgender

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald Jun 22, 06:35 am

Photo: (Photo : PATRICK T. FALLON / Getty Images)

A lawsuit has been filed against the University of Wyoming's Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority as seven women from the house challenge the rules regarding the inclusion of transgender women.

The lawsuit alleges that the sorority violated its own rules by admitting a transgender woman, sparking a legal battle over transgender rights, house policies, and personal values.

The case raises important questions about inclusivity, gender identity, and the autonomy of private organizations.

Kappa Kappa Gamma Faces Lawsuit on Transgender Inclusion Controversy

The Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority at the University of Wyoming is at the center of a legal battle as seven of its members file a lawsuit challenging the house rules on transgender women's inclusion.

According to SportsKeeda, the lawsuit, filed in March 2023, alleges that the sorority violated its own regulations by admitting Artemis Langford, a transgender woman, to their local chapter.

Originally, the legal action was against an individual identified using a pseudonym, Terry Smith.

The plaintiffs claim that Langford's presence has caused discomfort and fear among the sorority sisters, citing voyeuristic tendencies and alleged instances of being "visibly aroused" around them.

According to NBC News, the lawsuit alleges that Langford's presence in the Kappa Kappa Gamma house caused discomfort among some sorority members.

The lawsuit names Mary Pat Rooney, the national Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority council president, and Langford as defendants.

However, the court lacks jurisdiction over Rooney, who resides in Illinois and has not been involved in Langford's admission, according to the sorority's motion to dismiss.

The core issue in the lawsuit revolves around the conflict between the sorority's house regulations and the inclusion of transgender women.

Kappa Kappa Gamma has implemented a policy since 2015, allowing its 145+ chapters to accept transgender women.

This policy aligns with the guidelines followed by the other 25 sororities within the National Panhellenic Conference, the governing body for sororities in the United States and Canada, as stated in Kappa Kappa Gamma's submission.

The lawsuit filed by the sorority sisters requests that U.S. District Court Judge Alan Johnson declare Langford's sorority membership null and void, while also seeking unspecified damages.

Legal Implications and Calls for Resolution

According to The Washington Post, one of the University of Wyoming's seven Kappa Kappa Gamma members who filed a lawsuit withdrew from the case after the court ruled that they could not proceed under anonymous status.

The remaining six plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit are Jaylyn Westenbroek, Megan Kosar, Allison Coghan, Hannah Holtmeier, Grace Choate, and Madeline Ramar.

This legal battle also raises questions about the rights of transgender individuals to be included in sororities and the responsibility of private organizations to uphold their own rules.

The case underscores the broader debate around transgender rights, gender identity, and inclusivity in educational institutions.

As the legal battle unfolds, it will be important for the court to consider the intersection of individual rights, organizational policies, and societal progress.

Universities and sororities across the country may also take note of the outcome, as it could set a precedent for how transgender inclusion is handled within Greek organizations.

In the pursuit of a fair and equitable resolution, it remains crucial to balance the rights and concerns of all parties involved.

Ultimately, this case brings attention to the ongoing struggle for acceptance and inclusivity for transgender individuals, and it will likely have far-reaching implications beyond the confines of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority at the University of Wyoming.