Yosemite Ranger Who Put Up Pride Flag Sues Over Firing
A former ranger at Yosemite National Park has filed a federal lawsuit after being fired for hanging a transgender pride flag in the park, arguing the dismissal violated their constitutional rights. The suit was filed Monday in federal court in Washington, D.C., according to CBS News.
Attorney Joanna Citron Day, representing ranger Shannon “SJ” Joslin, said the case raises broader concerns about free speech. “I think everyone should be very worried as Americans about this kind of targeted repression of free speech,” she said. The legal team is seeking to end any criminal investigation and have Joslin reinstated.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the National Park Service said that demonstrations without permits outside designated First Amendment areas can interfere with visitors’ experiences and park protection.
Aug. 20, 2025 — 4:11 PM CDT
A ranger at Yosemite National Park was fired after hanging a transgender pride flag from El Capitan, while several visitors and employees faced potential penalties under tightened protest rules enacted during President Donald Trump’s administration.
Shannon “SJ” Joslin, a biologist who studies bats, said they suspended a 66-foot-wide transgender pride flag from the iconic rock formation overlooking the park’s main roadway for about two hours on May 20 before removing it voluntarily. A termination letter received later accused Joslin of failing to demonstrate acceptable conduct in their professional role and cited the incident.
Joslin, who identifies as nonbinary, said the action was motivated by concern over policies affecting transgender people. “I was really hurting because there were a lot of policies coming from the current administration that target trans people,” Joslin told the Associated Press, adding the display was meant to signal that “we’re all safe in national parks.” They said the firing conveyed the opposite message to federal workers.
Park officials said they were coordinating with the US Department of Justice on enforcement against anyone alleged to have violated demonstration restrictions. Spokesperson Rachel Pawlitz said administrative actions against some employees and possible criminal charges against certain visitors were under review.
On May 21, acting superintendent Ray McPadden signed a rule banning banners, flags, or signs larger than 15 square feet in areas classified as wilderness or potential wilderness—about 94% of the park. Joslin said seven climbers, including two other rangers, helped hang the flag; those rangers were placed on administrative leave pending investigation.
Citron Day, now with the advocacy group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, said flags have historically been displayed from El Capitan without punishment. She noted at the time that while the group represented Joslin, no lawsuit had yet been filed.
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