Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Kappa Kappa Gamma
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed in 2022 by a former member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter at the University of Wyoming. The case arose after the sorority recognized Artemis Langford, a male member.
Judge Alan Johnson issued the ruling on Friday, stating that the three plaintiffs—Hannah Holtmeyer, Allison Kogan, and Haley Latch—failed to adequately amend their complaints, which were intended to challenge the sorority’s interpretation of its bylaws regarding membership.
He noted that Kappa requires specific definitions for “female,” emphasizing that only those born with certain reproductive anatomy should qualify, despite broader definitions found in dictionaries.
“We need to leave our kappa alone,” Johnson remarked, highlighting his position.
The plaintiffs cited recent statements by former President Donald Trump that defined women as “adults…human women,” suggesting that this was the prevailing standard for inclusion. However, Johnson asserted that such definitions pertain only to administrative interpretations of federal law and do not impact private contracts like those between the Kappa organization and its members.
In fact, Johnson had previously dismissed similar complaints from other members of the Kappa chapter, arguing that the organization had yet to establish a clear definition of “women” in its bylaws. He stated, “The courts will not define ‘women’ today.”
One of the plaintiffs, Cheryl Tuck-Smith, who had been with Kappa for over 50 years prior to being expelled due to supporting the case, reflected on Kappa’s founding in 1870, noting that back then, there was no confusion about the definition of a woman. Kappa’s founders likely saw no need to clarify that term.
Yet, more than 150 years later, the organization now includes transgender members. In 2022, Kappa published a statement confirming its status as a gender-inclusive organization, comprising individuals who identify as women.
Though the plaintiffs can appeal Johnson’s ruling in Circuit Court, the case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning they cannot file another similar lawsuit or amended complaint.
Langford, who was not named as a defendant in the suit, has faced scrutiny, as there was significant public discourse surrounding the organization’s decision to admit a male member.
Amid the controversy, former state Representative Mark Jennings expressed that the decision did not surprise him. He lamented the situation, claiming that it reflects a larger issue within the judicial system where conservative values clash with liberal interpretations.
Jennings expressed hope that Wyoming may realign with what he considers “common sense,” emphasizing the need for legislative oversight to prevent what he sees as problematic judicial decisions.
