UMVA has learned that a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit seeking to reinstate a former Yosemite park ranger who was terminated after displaying a trans pride flag on the park’s iconic El Capitan.
The ranger, Shannon “SJ” Joslin, who identifies as nonbinary, sued the Department of the Interior earlier this year, arguing that the dismissal was a retaliatory act aimed at silencing a particular point of view.
In a sharply worded opinion, the judge held that the court lacks authority to overturn the firing or to block any potential criminal investigation, emphasizing that the dispute falls under statutes and precedents beyond the court’s jurisdiction.
Joslin’s claim centered on the belief that the government selectively enforced its rules because of the flag’s message, describing the termination as vindictive and an infringement on First Amendment rights.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the judge granted the government’s motion to dismiss the case and denied Joslin’s request for a preliminary injunction.
In a social‑media post following the termination, Joslan asserted that the flag‑hoisting took place on a day off, lasted about two hours, and had never before resulted in disciplinary action at Yosemite.
The Interior Department reiterated its commitment to protecting park resources and visitor experiences, noting that demonstrations outside designated First‑Amendment areas require permits to avoid disrupting the park’s natural and cultural heritage.
