Jurisdictional Issue Halts Appeal Process
A federal appeals court has dismissed an appeal in a lawsuit challenging a transgender woman’s membership in a University of Wyoming sorority. The court’s decision, issued Wednesday, hinges on a jurisdictional technicality.
Lawsuit Dismissed Without Prejudice at Lower Court Level
The case involved Artemis Langford, a transgender woman admitted to the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority chapter at the University of Wyoming. Six sorority sisters filed a lawsuit contesting Langford’s membership. However, the lawsuit was dismissed last summer by U.S. District Judge Alan Johnson in Cheyenne. This dismissal was “without prejudice,” meaning the plaintiffs could potentially refile the lawsuit in his court.
Appeals Court Cites Lack of Jurisdiction
The sorority sisters appealed the dismissal to the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver. However, the appeals court ruled it lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. This decision stems from the “without prejudice” dismissal at the lower court level. Since the plaintiffs have the option to refile the lawsuit, the appeals court determined it wasn’t yet appropriate for them to intervene.
Wider Debate on Transgender Rights
The Langford case ignited a national conversation about transgender rights. While some advocate for greater acceptance of transgender individuals in various settings, including schools, workplaces, and social organizations, others express concerns about the potential impact on privacy and established norms.
Conflicting Views on Sorority Bylaws
At the heart of the lawsuit was the interpretation of Kappa Kappa Gamma’s bylaws. The sorority argued it has broad authority to interpret its own membership rules, including defining what constitutes womanhood. The six plaintiffs, however, pushed for a stricter reading of the bylaws.
