Title IX Investigation Launched into University of Wyoming over Sorority Membership Decision

The Trump administration has initiated a federal investigation into the University of Wyoming following the 2022 admission of a transgender woman, Artemis Langford, into a campus sorority—despite the university asserting it had no involvement in the decision, WyoFile reports.

On Monday, the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced an inquiry into possible Title IX violations by Wyoming’s only four-year public university. The investigation stems from concerns related to Kappa Kappa Gamma’s choice to admit Langford, a decision made by a majority vote of sorority members.

The University of Wyoming has consistently stated that it does not control or participate in decisions regarding membership in campus fraternities or sororities, which are private organizations.

“The university believes it has been and is in compliance with Title IX but intends to fully cooperate with the investigation and will work with the Office for Civil Rights to come into compliance if needed,” a UW spokesperson said.

According to the university, Title IX — a federal civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in educational institutions — does not apply to membership practices of social fraternities and sororities. Legal experts, such as Title IX attorney Melissa Carleton, affirm this interpretation, noting that these organizations are generally exempt under federal law.

Langford’s membership in Kappa Kappa Gamma sparked national attention and led to a 2023 lawsuit by six sorority members who challenged the admission on the grounds of alleged bylaw violations and contract breaches. The University of Wyoming was not named in the suit.

That case was dismissed by US District Judge Alan B. Johnson, who ruled that courts cannot dictate the membership decisions of private, voluntary associations. An appeal was later rejected by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. The plaintiffs were given until June 9 to amend their complaint or seek a final judgment, but had not acted as of press time.

The federal investigation is part of a broader Title IX initiative by the Trump administration, which said it aims to “reverse the Biden Administration’s legacy of undermining Title IX” and enforce protections for women in alignment with the law’s original intent. The timing of the announcement coincides with both Pride Month and the administration’s declared “Title IX Month.”

Although the Title IX complaint related to Langford’s admission was previously withdrawn, the new investigation marks a shift in focus from the sorority itself to the university’s potential oversight role. The Department of Education contends that by admitting a transgender woman, Kappa Kappa Gamma may have forfeited its Title IX exemption — a legal interpretation that some experts view as uncertain or contestable.

Several of the plaintiffs are now affiliated with the Independent Women’s Forum, a conservative policy organization that has amplified their efforts nationally. Their former attorney, May Mailman, joined the Trump administration in January as a senior policy advisor, drawing additional attention to the case.

Langford, who graduated from UW in May, has not publicly commented on the new investigation beyond a statement from her attorney expressing surprise.

“Ms. Langford does not know who filed the Title IX complaint, and the previous one had been dropped,” her lawyer said. “She is surprised that the issue is being revisited after her graduation.”

If the University of Wyoming is found to have violated Title IX, it could face consequences including the loss of federal funding. However, experts emphasize that the launch of an investigation does not indicate wrongdoing.

The university has stated its intent to fully cooperate with federal officials while maintaining its current position on sorority independence.