A legal dispute has arisen within the University of Wyoming sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, after admitting a transgender woman named Artemis Langford into its local chapter. The organization is now defending its decision, arguing that the term “woman” is subject to various interpretations. The conflict escalated when seven members of the sorority filed a lawsuit in March, alleging that Langford’s membership violated internal rules.

The plaintiffs claim that Langford’s presence has made them uncomfortable, as she allegedly spends long hours on the sorority house couch and silently stares at them. After their initial attempts to sue anonymously were rejected, six of the seven women refiled the lawsuit in May.

Kappa Kappa Gamma has responded to the lawsuit by seeking its dismissal, describing it as a frivolous attempt to remove Langford due to personal political beliefs. The sorority suggested that members who are uncomfortable with its inclusive stance should consider resigning. They clarified that the sorority’s definition of membership, established in a 2015 position statement, encompasses individuals who identify as women. Additionally, they argued that the term “woman” can be understood in multiple ways. This perspective is consistent with the beliefs of the National Panhellenic Conference, which governs 25 other sororities across the United States and Canada.

In support of the motion to dismiss, Langford’s attorney argued that the lawsuit fails to demonstrate any wrongdoing on Langford’s part and does not seek any relief from her. The attorney accused the suing sorority members of attempting to publicly humiliate Langford with baseless allegations.

The members involved in the lawsuit are seeking to have Langford’s Kappa Kappa Gamma membership revoked and are also seeking unspecified damages. In response, Kappa Kappa Gamma’s executive director, Kari Kittrell Poole, stated that the members’ complaint contains numerous false allegations, although she did not specify which accusations she was referring to.