WY: Dismissal Sought for Lawsuit to Force Trans Woman Out of Her Sorority
Attorneys for Kappa Kappa Gamma and Artemis Langford argue that sorority sisters have no right to force the sorority to exclude trans women, and that the complaint itself was cruel and bullying.
by Evan Urquhart
Two responses to a Wyoming lawsuit in which six sorority members are attempting to force the expulsion of a transgender member was filed Tuesday, June 20 by attorneys representing Kappa Kappa Gamma’s national office and Artemis Langford, the transgender student. These responses, which have been described by multiple mainstream outlets, consisted of two motions (one on behalf of KKG, one on behalf of Langford) to dismiss the lawsuit. Each one called out the cruel, bullying tactics which have targeted Langford for her appearance and identity. Kappa Kappa Gamma argued the sorority has the right to create its own bylaws, including the right to define a woman for the purposes of their organization. Langford’s attorneys argued she has been accused of no wrongdoing and is not properly a party to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit has been fodder for the right wing talk show circuit, with the six plaintiffs appearing on Megyn Kelly to complain that Langford’s presence makes them uncomfortable. Even now, right wing outlets covering the response have continued to wedge in mocking references to Landford’s appearance as well as misgendering her. (Assigned has previously covered the story, in partcular noting the dearth of public pushback by the sorority against the smears that have been directed at Langford.)
According to Wyoming Public Media, the response from Langford’s attorney drew attention to the cruelty and the media circus which Langford has been subjected to, as well as the fact that no specific claims of wrongdoing were made against Langford.
screenshot from Wyoming Public Media
Langford’s attorney further suggested that the lawsuit was unserious, excessively long, confused, and being undertaken for publicity and fundraising purposes, and that it should be dismissed with prejudice.
Wyoming Public Media also described the filing from Kappa Kappa Gamma, which says it has accepted transgender members since 2015 and has the right to interpret its own bylaws. Like Langford’s attorney they note the cruelty displayed by the plaintiffs.
screenshot from Wyoming Public Media
Assigned will continue to follow further developments.