Key facts
- A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by a former Yosemite National Park ranger fired after displaying a transgender pride flag.
- The ranger, Shannon “SJ” Joslin, was on probation at the time of their termination.
- Judge Jennifer Thurston ruled that Joslin must follow the Civil Service Reform Act's complaint process.
- Joslin has filed a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel, which is investigating the matter.
- The flag display occurred on El Capitan on May 20, 2025, and was voluntarily removed.
- Joslin's termination letter cited participation in a demonstration outside a designated protest area without a permit.
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by Shannon “SJ” Joslin, a former Yosemite National Park ranger who was fired after hanging a large transgender pride flag on El Capitan. U.S. District Judge Jennifer Thurston ruled on Friday that Joslin, who identifies as nonbinary, must adhere to the Civil Service Reform Act's procedures for probationary employees.
Joslin, a biologist, stated they helped hang the 66-foot wide flag for about two hours on their day off on May 20, 2025, as a statement of inclusivity in national parks. The termination letter received in August 2025 cited Joslin's participation in the demonstration as a failure to demonstrate acceptable conduct and circumventing rules.
The lawsuit accused the National Park Service and other defendants of constitutional violations, including infringing on Joslin's free speech rights. Joslin's legal team argued the termination was retaliatory and that others had flown flags on El Capitan without facing punishment.
Judge Thurston acknowledged the limited recourse for probationary employees under federal civil service rules but noted that allowing direct court access would grant them more options than tenured employees. The day after Joslin's flag display, Yosemite instituted a rule limiting banner and flag sizes in wilderness areas to 15 square feet, covering 94% of the park. This followed a February 2025 protest where an upside-down American flag was hung on El Capitan to protest firings under the Trump administration.
Joslin has filed a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel, which denied an initial request to halt the termination while investigating potential legal violations by the Park Service. A final determination is expected in August.