Yosemite ranger sues over firing for displaying transgender pride flag

The biologist lost their job after hanging a 66-foot-wide pride flag on El Capitan, alleging First Amendment rights violation

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A former Yosemite National Park ranger, Shannon 'SJ' Joslin, is suing the U.S. Department of the Interior, alleging their First Amendment rights were violated when they were fired for hanging a transgender pride flag on El Capitan. Joslin, a nonbinary biologist and park ranger, helped a climbing group display the large flag for less than three hours before voluntarily removing it. They were then terminated for 'failing to demonstrate acceptable conduct' in their role as a biologist.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the free speech rights of federal employees, particularly when it comes to expressing support for LGBTQ+ causes on the job. It highlights the tension between an employee's personal views and their professional responsibilities as a government worker.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Joslin was 'summarily fired and then, in a significant escalation, criminally investigated' after the flag display. The lawsuit alleges the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California are violating Joslin's First Amendment and Privacy Act rights. Joslin claims the incident 'continues to chill their expressive conduct and speech' and that 'hanging a trans flag in the park results in firing and criminal investigation'.

  • On May 20, 2026, Joslin helped a climbing group hang a 66-foot-wide transgender pride flag on the climbing wall face of El Capitan.
  • On May 21, 2026, Yosemite National Park Acting Superintendent Ray McPadden signed a rule banning people from hanging banners, flags or signs larger than 15 square feet in wilderness or potential wilderness areas, which cover 94% of the park.
  • In August 2026, Joslin received a termination letter for 'failing to demonstrate acceptable conduct' in their capacity as a biologist.

The players

Shannon 'SJ' Joslin

A nonbinary biologist and park ranger who studies bats at Yosemite National Park.

Ray McPadden

The acting superintendent of Yosemite National Park who signed a rule banning large flags and banners in wilderness areas.

Doug Burgum

The U.S. Secretary of the Interior, named as a defendant in Joslin's lawsuit.

Jessica Bowron

The acting director of the National Park Service, named as a defendant in Joslin's lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“I was really hurting because there were a lot of policies coming from the current administration that target trans people, and I'm nonbinary. Hanging the flag was my way of saying, 'We're all safe in national parks.'”

— Shannon 'SJ' Joslin (Associated Press)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Joslin to return to their job as the criminal investigation continues.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex balance between a federal employee's free speech rights and an employer's ability to enforce professional conduct standards, especially when it comes to politically charged displays in public spaces like national parks.