Key facts
- A federal judge ruled she lacks authority to reinstate a Yosemite National Park ranger fired for displaying a transgender pride flag.
- The ranger, Shannon “SJ” Joslin, is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns.
- U.S. District Judge Jennifer Thurston stated the court cannot decide if the firing was unconstitutional or illegal.
- Joslin must pursue claims through the Office of Special Counsel, according to the judge.
- The firing occurred during the Trump administration's focus on reducing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
A federal judge has ruled that she does not have the authority to reinstate a Yosemite National Park ranger who was fired for displaying a transgender pride flag on El Capitan last year. U.S. District Judge Jennifer Thurston stated that under current laws and legal precedent, the court cannot determine if the firing was unconstitutional or illegal, nor can it block a potential criminal case against the ranger.