Keep Sororities Female-Only! WoLF Files Amicus Brief in Westenbroek v. KKG
Caption: WoLF’s brief cites multiple acknowledgments by Kappa that it is a female-only organization, including this Instagram post from International Women’s Day 2021
UPDATE - Jun. 16, 2024 - Shamefully, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an appeal of six Kappa Kappa Gamma women’s challenge to the admission of a trans-identified male who allegedly watched sorority sisters undressing. The women filed an appeal of an August 2023 ruling that declined their initial litigation re-defining “woman.”
WoLF filed an Amicus Brief to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit on Monday in the case of Westenbroek v. KKG, arguing in support of keeping sororities women-only. The case centers around Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority’s decision to admit a man, Artemis Langford, who went on to sexually harass and photograph members of the sorority without their consent according to statements made by sorority members.
About the Case
Kappa Kappa Gamma was founded in 1870, at a time before women in the US could even vote. At the time, women were systematically excluded from higher education, and Kappa was created as a place to foster the educational goals of high-achieving women. The Kappa bylaws state that new members must be women and, as a member of the National Panhellenic Conference, Kappa has committed to remaining a single-sex organization.
However, in 2022 the Wyoming University chapter of Kappa admitted a man. According to court documents by sorority members, Langford “watching members enter the sorority house, had an erection visible through his leggings… At a slumber party, Langford ‘repeatedly questioned the women about what vaginas look like, [and] breast cup size,’ and stared as one Plaintiff changed her clothes.” (pg. 12-14 of Appellant Brief). The sisters say Langford also took pictures of them without their consent, and has expressed a “desire to be near cadavers and to touch dead bodies.”
Kappa claims that it has a First Amendment right to define “woman” however it wants. Six members of the sorority, however, have bravely spoken up despite threats and pressure to keep their concerns quiet. They argue that Kappa violated its contract by admitting a man.
WoLF’s Amicus Brief Defends the Historical Role of Women-Only Groups
WoLF’s brief ardently argues that single-sex organizations provide benefits and support - such as safe and private places without men, and encouraging connections between women - that strengthen and ensure its members' legal equality. By supporting these women in their legal challenge to the attempted redefinition of 'woman' in the Kappa bylaws, WoLF highlights the importance of recognizing objective sex differences and their implications for women's safety and privacy.
“The sex differences between men and women, as well as the powerful sex discrimination women in education faced throughout its early history, is a common theme throughout Kappa’s narrative and the history of sororities as a whole. Kappa knows that it has been plainly understood by men for hundreds of years whom to exclude from their institutions — just as Kappa still plainly understands what a woman is, regardless of any claims to the contrary.”
The brief delves into the heart of gender identity ideology, critiquing its unscientific, incoherent, and regressive nature. Moreover, WoLF argues that gender identity ideology undermines legal protections designed specifically for women, harming their ability to achieve success and participate meaningfully in society.
“To “identify as a woman” means embracing the socially constructed gender roles that are imposed upon women. Feminists have been fighting against this toxic system for generations.”
WoLF urges the court to rule in favor of the sorority sisters, reaffirming the importance of sex-based rights, single-sex spaces,and the integrity of women-only organizations.
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This marks WoLF’s sixth amicus brief this year on cases that impact women and girls around the country — Our ability to undertake this urgent feminist work relies on the generosity of our members and supporters—To all of you, we are deeply grateful!
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