Federal judge allows sorority to admit transgender women.

A Victory for Sorority Autonomy: Court Upholds Kappa ‍Kappa Gamma’s ‌Right to Choose⁤ Members

A federal court on⁢ Friday delivered a ⁤significant ruling, affirming the freedom of a college⁢ sorority to select ‍its own members. ⁣The case revolves around ⁣Artemis Langford, a transgender woman who joined the all-female Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG) sorority at the University of Wyoming. Seven KKG⁢ members filed a ‍complaint against‌ the sorority,‍ arguing ⁣that admitting​ a transgender woman ⁢violated their ‍charter and bylaws.

“Under the ‍Sorority’s bylaws, every new member must be ⁣’a woman,'” the sorority sisters argued in their complaint. “A woman is an adult human female. ⁤An ⁣adult human male​ is not⁣ a​ woman, no ‌matter how he chooses to describe ⁣himself.”

The plaintiffs ⁢claimed ‌that KKG ⁣had disregarded⁣ its own⁣ rules ⁣by following a⁤ guide that allowed for the inclusion of individuals who identify as women. They ‌sought to revoke​ Langford’s admission and challenge the legality of‍ the guide’s implementation.

A Victory for Sorority⁤ Autonomy

District Judge Alan Johnson, recognizing Kappa Kappa ​Gamma’s right⁤ to define its own membership criteria, dismissed the complaint. He emphasized⁤ that private organizations have the authority to interpret their governing documents and determine who qualifies⁣ as a member.

“Defining ‘woman’ is Kappa Kappa ⁢Gamma’s bedrock right as a private, voluntary organization—and one‍ this Court may not invade,” Judge Johnson stated.

The judge also⁤ rejected the claim that ‌KKG breached housing contracts by allowing Langford to reside in the chapter house, as the contracts⁣ did not explicitly prohibit such arrangements.

Judge Johnson underscored⁤ the potential consequences of ruling in favor of the plaintiffs,⁣ cautioning against burdening the courts with disputes over private organizations’ interpretation of their​ bylaws.

Transphobia Allegations⁣ and Unveiling Identities

Langford’s attorney, Rachel Berkness, criticized the lawsuit as “transphobic” ​and argued that the case targeted her client‍ based on her transgender identity. ‌The plaintiffs ⁢initially filed the lawsuit anonymously, ‍but Judge Johnson⁣ denied their request for anonymity, ‍citing the public interest in the case. Eventually, six⁢ of the women revealed their identities.

In an interview, one ‌of the⁤ plaintiffs, Hannah Holtmeier, ⁣expressed her ​discomfort living in the ⁤KKG house. However, the ⁢court’s ruling affirms the sorority’s right to determine its own membership and maintain its autonomy.

This ⁢decision sets ⁢an important precedent,⁢ safeguarding ⁤the autonomy of private organizations ​and‍ their ability to define⁤ their membership criteria.