<2>Shannon ‘SJ’ Joslin Was Fired For Hanging a Flag in Yosemite. They’re Now Suing the Federal Government.
<3>Background
<>Shannon “SJ” Joslin is the first National Park Service employee to be fired for hanging a flag at Yosemite’s El Capitan. The incident took place in 2025, when Joslin, a park ranger, decided to hang a trans flag on the iconic rock formation to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. The move was seen as a gesture of solidarity, but it sparked a heated debate among park visitors and staff members.
<3>The Controversy
<>The controversy surrounding Joslin’s actions began when a group of park visitors complained about the flag, claiming it was an act of vandalism and a disruption to the natural environment. The National Park Service (NPS) launched an investigation into the matter, and Joslin was subsequently fired for violating park policies.
<3>The Lawsuit
<>Joslin has now filed a lawsuit against the federal government, alleging that their termination was unfair and discriminatory. The lawsuit claims that the NPS failed to provide adequate support for LGBTQ+ employees and that Joslin’s actions were not a disruption to the park’s operations. The lawsuit also alleges that the