Story perspectives

Yosemite Bans Flags After Nonbinary Ranger Fired

6/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Yosemite National Park banned banners, flags or signs 15 feet after the flag incident.
Nonbinary ranger Shannon Joslin was fired for hanging a pride flag at El Capitan, when Judge Jennifer Thurston dismissed her lawsuit, saying the court cannot reinstate probationary employees.
Joslin’s filing called the termination vindictive retaliation tied to the Trump administration’s cuts and anti-transgender, while she told the New York Times the dismissal hampers NPS employees protecting lands.

History

Historical Context

After the 1975 Civil Service Commission lifted the federal gay-ban, President Clinton’s 1998 Executive Order 13087 extended anti-discrimination protections to roughly two million civilian workers. Later, Obama’s 2014 order added gender identity and the 2020 Supreme Court Bostock decision broadened coverage. The 2024 Yosemite dismissal of nonbinary ranger Shannon Joslin, ruled unlawful by Judge Jennifer Thurston, reflects that evolving legal framework.

1 of 2

Story summary

Yosemite National Park banned banners, flags or signs 15 feet after the flag incident.
Nonbinary ranger Shannon Joslin was fired for hanging a pride flag at El Capitan, when Judge Jennifer Thurston dismissed her lawsuit, saying the court cannot reinstate probationary employees.
Joslin’s filing called the termination vindictive retaliation tied to the Trump administration’s cuts and anti-transgender, while she told the New York Times the dismissal hampers NPS employees protecting lands.

1 / 2