- A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Shannon "SJ" Joslin, a nonbinary former Yosemite National Park ranger, who was fired after displaying a transgender pride flag on El Capitan.
- U.S. District Judge Jennifer Thurston ruled that Joslin, as a probationary employee, must adhere to the Civil Service Reform Act by pursuing their complaint through the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), a process they have already initiated.
- Joslin, a biologist, displayed the 66-foot flag on their day off in May 2025, stating it was meant to convey that national parks are safe for everyone, and voluntarily removed it after two hours.
- Their termination in August 2025 was attributed to "failing to demonstrate acceptable conduct" and to participating in a demonstration without a permit, which, Joslin's lawsuit argued, violated their free speech rights.
- Following the incident, Yosemite National Park implemented a new rule prohibiting banners larger than 15 square feet in 94% of the park, a regulation that also came after a February 2025 protest involving an upside-down American flag against the Trump administration.
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