In May 2025, Shannon Joslin, an off-duty National Park Service biologist using ‘they/them’ pronouns, displayed a pink, white, and blue transgender flag at El Capitan. This act of solidarity spiraled into controversy, as Joslin claimed they were wrongfully terminated and that their free speech rights were violated.
By February 2026, Joslin filed a lawsuit against several government agencies and officials, accusing them of unlawful and retaliatory action against their peaceful off-duty expression. Joslin sought job reinstatement, a declaration that the government acted illegally, protection from criminal charges, and financial damages.
On Friday, a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit, stating the court couldn’t compel the park service to reinstate Joslin’s position. However, Judge Jennifer L. Thurston noted Joslin used the wrong process to challenge the firing, leaving unresolved issues surrounding their dismissal.
Joslin explained they were off-duty and acting as a private citizen during the flag installation. A week later, a Park Service law enforcement officer informed them of a criminal investigation about the flag, followed by a termination letter from Yosemite’s acting deputy superintendent.
The court ruling detailed Joslin was near completing their two-year trial period when terminated. The employer stated Joslin did not adhere to acceptable conduct by participating in a demonstration without appropriate permission, bypassing park visitor rules.
Joslin received a form citing a presidential executive order and unspecified conduct issues. Following their termination, Joslin expressed outrage on social media, garnering attention online. Joslin asserted their conduct was never negatively reviewed in previous roles.
“I want my rights and I want my career back,” Joslin wrote on Instagram in August 2025, emphasizing respect and patience in their interactions.
Joslin can challenge their termination through the Civil Service Reform Act, which defends federal employees against unjust practices and political retaliation, explained Thurston. Joslin has initiated the process, filing a complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) in December 2025, alleging prohibited personnel practices.
Joslin viewed their firing as crucial not only for park service employees but for broader free speech rights in the U.S., stating to The Times, “It’s about whether everyone has the right to speak freely in the United States. This kind of targeting threatens the rights of civil servants, and by extension, all Americans, to speak freely.”
The OSC has 240 days to address Joslin’s complaint, with the deadline on August 3. However, due to a government shutdown and pending cases, a response delay is anticipated.