A federal judge ruled she does not have the authority to reinstate a Yosemite National Park ranger fired for displaying a transgender pride flag. The decision does not address claims of First Amendment violations.
The ruling highlights the legal limitations for federal employees seeking to challenge employment decisions based on protected speech, directing them to specific administrative channels rather than federal courts for initial review.
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.
Joslin, who is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, was advised by the judge to bring their claims before the Office of Special Counsel. The court, therefore, lacks jurisdiction to review the termination or offer any related relief, including reinstatement.
The National Park Service fired Joslin for flying the flag on their day off from the iconic granite formation. Joslin's lawsuit also indicated they are the subject of a criminal probe. Joslin stated in an interview that they lost their job for the flag and felt targeted by the Trump administration's actions against federal workers regarding diversity and inclusion.
The legal challenge comes amid broader actions by the Trump administration targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and discussions of "gender ideology" within the government. Other lawsuits related to federal grants and diversity orders from the administration are also pending.
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