Standing with Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority Women in Denver
By Jasmin Faulk, WoLF Executive Director
On September 14, 2026, WoLF Board President Elspeth Cypher, a retired justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and I attended the hearing and press conference for Holtmeier et al. v. Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity et al. in Denver, Colorado.
The case involves three University of Wyoming sorority members—Hannah Holtmeier, Allison Coghan, and Haley Rutsch—who are challenging Kappa Kappa Gamma leadership’s decision to interpret “woman” in its bylaws to include students who identify as women. The plaintiffs argue that this fundamentally changed the nature of the sorority without the consent of its members. Kappa maintains that its governing council has the authority to interpret its bylaws and determine its membership policies.
After a federal district court dismissed their complaint, the women appealed to the Tenth Circuit. The court heard arguments on September 14 but has not yet issued a decision. (Read more about the hearing)
WoLF filed an amicus brief supporting the plaintiffs and arguing that women’s rights to privacy, dignity, and freedom of association depend upon the continued recognition of sex-based boundaries. Being there to witness the legal process—and to support these women in person—was meaningful.
What stayed with me most, however, was the coalition that gathered outside the courthouse. Women and organizations with different political affiliations, histories, and perspectives stood together in support of a shared concern. There was genuine camaraderie and a clear understanding that we do not have to agree on everything to work together where common ground exists.
Elspeth captured that spirit in her speech. Drawing on her four decades of experience as a defense attorney, prosecutor, and judge, she spoke about how the legal recognition of women as a sex class has been central to women’s long struggle for equality. She connected this case to women’s rights to privacy, safety, dignity, speech, and freedom of association.
“We don’t have to agree on everything,” she told the crowd. Her message was simple and powerful: our differences do not have to prevent us from standing together for women and girls.
That gathering reflected what WoLF has always promised to do. As a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, we are willing to reach across the political aisle and work with others on matters affecting women and girls. We will continue to show up—in courtrooms, legislatures, public forums, and communities—through our legal work, advocacy, and public education.
Agreement on every issue is not required. What matters is having the courage to stand together when women need us.
If you would like to stand with us, openly or anonymously, you can do so by sharing our content across social media, donating, and inviting others to donate. We can continue to take and support cases like this one if we have the means to do so. Thank you for considering a donation to our legal work.