Federal Judge Dismisses Wyoming Sorority Lawsuit Over ‘Trans’ Member, Citing ‘Expansive Definition of a Woman’

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by former members of the Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter at the University of Wyoming after the sorority admitted a trans-identifying man, Artemis Langford, in 2022. 

Judge Alan Johnson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming dismissed the case with prejudice Friday, effectively preventing the plaintiffs from refiling the same claims. 

The lawsuit, brought by three former sorority members—Hannah Holtmeier, Allison Coghan and Haley Rutsch—challenged the admission of Langford, claiming it violated Kappa Kappa Gamma’s all-women membership rules. 

Johnson rejected the arguments, stating that the sorority’s internal bylaws allow it to define membership at its discretion. 

“Nothing in the Bylaws or the Standing Rules requires Kappa to narrowly define the words ‘women’ or ‘woman’ to include only those individuals born with a certain set of reproductive organs, particularly when even the dictionary cited by Plaintiffs offers a more expansive definition,” Johnson wrote. 

The plaintiffs had cited President Donald Trump’s executive order defining “woman” as an “adult…human female.” 

Johnson dismissed the reference, noting that such definitions apply only to the executive branch and federal policy, not private organizations. 

“We are not entirely sure what this definition means, not having a degree in biology,” he added. “Even assuming this definition aligned with Plaintiffs’, it only applies to the Executive Branch’s interpretation of federal laws and administration policy. It is not relevant in the world of private contracts, which is where we currently find ourselves.” 

Langford, who has since moved out of Wyoming, faced intense public scrutiny during the controversy. 

In an interview with Wyoming Public Radio, Langford described daily struggles with anxiety and panic attacks while navigating the situation. 

“Every day I woke up feeling like…Oh, I’m having a panic attack. I just had to push, push, push to succeed. And somehow, I managed to get through it,” he said, per The Blaze.

Cheryl Tuck-Smith, a Kappa alumna and former sister expelled for supporting the plaintiffs, argued that the founders of Kappa Kappa Gamma would never have questioned what defines a woman. 

“There was no confusion…about what a woman is,” she said at a June 2024 rally. 

Today, Kappa’s leadership issued a nonbinding statement in 2022 stating that the organization includes “women and individuals who identify as women.” 

Judge Johnson emphasized the limits of judicial authority over private organizations, writing, “In short, we are required to leave Kappa alone.” 

He noted that the court cannot interfere with the sorority’s interpretation of its bylaws unless fraud or other violations are present. 

Johnson had previously dismissed a similar case in August 2023, ruling that the University of Wyoming chapter did not violate its bylaws by allowing Langford to join, according to Fox News.

Former Wyoming State Rep. Mark Jennings (R-Sheridan) expressed disappointment with the ruling. 

“It’s just so disappointing they can’t figure out the definition of a woman. I mean, really?” Jennings said, calling for legislative oversight of judicial actions, according to Fox News. “If you’re going to have judges that are going to pull this kind of nonsense, the power of the purse should not be taken off the table when it comes to the judiciary.” 

The University of Wyoming confirmed that it played no role in determining sorority membership and was not involved in the lawsuit. 

Attorneys for the plaintiffs declined comment, while Kappa Kappa Gamma did not respond to media requests. The plaintiffs may still appeal the decision at the circuit court level

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