US EditionPark ranger fired for hanging trans pride flag sues Interior Department
Dr. Joslin alleges unconstitutional retaliation after being fired for a transgender pride flag protest opposing anti-trans policies at Yosemite's El Capitan, seeking reinstatement and damages.
- Dr. Shannon 'SJ' Joslin filed a federal lawsuit on Feb. 23, 2026, alleging unlawful retaliation after unfurling a transgender pride flag last May at Yosemite National Park.
- The May 20 flag display involved seven climbers, including off-duty park rangers, hanging a 55' by 35' transgender pride flag from El Capitan to protest the Trump administration's anti-trans policies. Three months later, Yosemite managers fired Joslin for 'failure to demonstrate acceptable conduct,' while the Yosemite Superintendent's Compendium updated its flag ban on May 21.
- The complaint names the National Park Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and the Department of Justice, seeking reinstatement, a bar on criminal pursuit, and at least $1,000 in damages plus legal costs.
- The Interior Department declined to comment but emphasized park protections in a Feb. 23 update, while Joslin's complaint ties the firing to President Trump's Executive Order 14149 signed on January 20 and critics warned it raises broader free-speech questions for federal employees.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Fired Yosemite worker sues National Park Service after hanging massive transgender flag across El Capitan | Fox Wilmington WSFX-TV
close Video Flag hung upside down in Yosemite National Park following layoffs Yosemite National Park staff members hung a U.S. flag upside down to protest the layoffs at the park by the Trump administration. Credit: Anand K Sankaran via Storyful NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A former Yosemite National Park employee filed a lawsuit against the National Park Service (NPS) after being fired for hanging a transgender pride flag acro…
Fired Yosemite worker sues National Park Service after hanging massive transgender flag across El Capitan
Former Yosemite employee Shannon "SJ" Joslin filed a lawsuit against National Park Service after being fired for hanging 55-foot transgender pride flag on El Capitan.
'Non-binary' fired after hanging 'trans' flag at Yosemite sues Trump administration
A probationary wildlife biologist for Yosemite National Park who identifies as "non-binary" covered the side of El Capitan with a gargantuan trans-activist flag last year to protest the Trump administration's reality-affirming policies regarding gender.Shannon Joslin, a female resident of El Portal, California, found out the hard way that actions have consequences — and was fired.'Demonstrating without a permit outside of designated First Amendm…
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