A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Shannon “SJ” Joslin, a former Yosemite National Park ranger who was terminated after helping display a large transgender pride flag on El Capitan. The flag, measuring approximately 66 feet wide, was hung on May 20, 2025, during Joslin’s day off from work as a show of solidarity with the transgender community. Joslin, who identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, voluntarily removed the flag after about two hours.

Joslin’s termination came in August 2025, shortly before the end of their two-year probationary period as a biologist specializing in bat research. The National Park Service cited “failure to demonstrate acceptable conduct” and the unauthorized demonstration for the firing. Park officials said Joslin participated in a protest outside designated “First Amendment areas” — spaces within Yosemite where groups of up to 25 people may assemble without permits — and did so without obtaining the necessary authorization. The termination letter referenced both the demonstration and a presidential executive order, marking the conduct as unacceptable.

Following their dismissal, Joslin filed a lawsuit in February 2026 against the National Park Service, the Department of the Interior, and other government entities. The suit alleged retaliation violating Joslin’s constitutional right to free speech, describing the firing as punitive and motivated by disapproval of Joslin’s viewpoint. Joslin argued that although others have displayed flags on El Capitan, they were uniquely targeted for punishment. They sought reinstatement, a declaration that the government acted unlawfully, protection from criminal investigation, and monetary damages.

However, U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to order Joslin’s reinstatement and that Joslin had not followed the proper administrative process for challenging their termination. As a probationary federal employee, Joslin was required to pursue remedies under the Civil Service Reform Act through the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). Joslin had already initiated this process by filing a complaint with the OSC in December 2025, alleging prohibited personnel practices. The OSC denied Joslin’s request to place the termination on hold pending investigation. A final determination from the OSC is expected by early August 2026, although it may face delays due to a government shutdown and case backlog.

The case highlights tensions around employee expression, civil service protections, and the boundaries of permissible protest within federal lands. Joslin maintained that their action was a peaceful expression made as a private citizen while off duty, emphasizing concerns about protecting free speech rights for civil servants and broader society. Yosemite officials and the National Park Service emphasized compliance with established rules governing protests and demonstrations in the park. The legal avenue for Joslin’s challenge remains ongoing, but the recent ruling confirms that federal courts will defer to internal administrative procedures in such employment disputes.