Shannon SJ Joslin, a Yosemite National Park ranger and biologist, was fired after hanging a 66-foot wide transgender pride flag on the iconic El Capitan rock formation on May 20, 2025.
Joslin and a group of seven climbers, including two other park rangers, displayed the flag for around two hours before voluntarily removing it.
The big picture: The termination letter accused Joslin of failing to demonstrate acceptable conduct in their role, citing the incident with the pride flag.
- Joslin, who identifies as nonbinary, told the Associated Press the flag display was intended to send a message of safety and inclusion for transgender individuals in national parks, and expressed feeling targeted by policies from the Trump administration that affect LGBTQ+ people.
Go deeper: Yosemite officials stated they are collaborating with the U.S. Department of Justice to pursue potential administrative and criminal actions against park employees and visitors who violated demonstration-related federal laws and regulations.
- Two other rangers involved are currently on administrative leave pending investigations.
- On May 21, the park’s acting superintendent signed a regulation banning any banners, flags, or signs larger than 15 square feet in wilderness and potential wilderness areas, which make up 94% of the park. This includes much of Yosemite surrounding El Capitan.
- The new restrictions aim to protect the park’s wilderness character and safety of climbers.
- This action followed a February incident where demonstrators hung an upside-down American flag on El Capitan protesting National Park Service employee firings during the Trump administration.
