Cheyenne, Wyoming – A sorority at the University of Wyoming is facing a lawsuit after admitting a biological male as a member, sparking a debate about the definition of women’s spaces. The sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, is being sued by its own members who argue that the admission of a male violates the sorority’s bylaws. The case is now before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, attracting the attention of national feminist groups and hundreds of Kappa alumnae.
The lawsuit, Westenbroek v. Kappa Kappa Gamma, was initiated by Wyoming sorority sisters with the support of the Independent Women’s Law Center. They claim that the sorority was pressured by its headquarters to admit the male member, thus undermining the single-sex nature of the sorority. Women’s Declaration International (WDI) and Women’s Liberation Front (WoLF), prominent national feminist groups, have rallied behind the plaintiffs, arguing that equating “sex” with “gender” is regressive and erases the distinct experiences and needs of women.
WDI highlights that transgenderism relies on the existence of a gender essence, perpetuating stereotypes and expectations that are traditionally imposed on women. WoLF points out that the recognition of objective differences between sexes has been crucial in establishing legal protections for women and ensuring safety in single-sex spaces. They argue that if the terms “woman” and “female” lose their clear meaning, the basis for statutory and regulatory protections is undermined.
The supporters of the lawsuit emphasize that single-sex spaces are not only essential for women’s well-being and personal development but also contribute to their safety. As men are statistically more likely to commit violent crimes, dismantling the objective differences between the sexes can jeopardize women’s security.
Not all feminists, however, share this viewpoint. Some organizations, such as the National Organization for Women, support the inclusion of biological males in women’s spaces, like sports teams. This divergence among feminist groups raises questions about the future of single-sex associations and the definition of womanhood.
As the lawsuit progresses, the debate over the admission of males to women’s spaces will likely continue to unfold, with implications for the rights and identities of women. The outcome of Westenbroek v. Kappa Kappa Gamma may shape the future of sororities and other women-only organizations, as well as the broader understanding of sex and gender in society.