Controversy Surrounding National Park Service Biologist’s Firing

In May 2025, Shannon Joslin, a National Park Service biologist who uses “they/them” pronouns, was thrust into controversy. Joslin had participated in an act of displaying a pink, white, and blue transgender flag at El Capitan, which led to claims of wrongful termination and a violation of free speech rights.

By February 2026, Joslin took legal action against multiple government entities and officials. They accused these parties of unlawful and retaliatory measures following what they described as peaceful off-duty expression. Joslin sought reinstatement, acknowledgment of illegal governmental actions, protection from criminal charges, and financial compensation.

However, on Friday, a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit, citing that the court cannot compel the park service to rehire Joslin. The judge’s decision, delivered by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston, indicated that Joslin had pursued an incorrect method for disputing their firing.

Joslin installed the flag while off-duty and acting as a private citizen. Subsequently, they faced contact from a Park Service law enforcement officer, who informed them of a criminal investigation concerning the flag display. Yosemite’s acting deputy superintendent later issued a termination notice.

The court’s findings showed Joslin’s termination occurred just weeks before they would complete their trial period of employment. Their employer argued that Joslin displayed “unacceptable conduct” by engaging in a demonstration without securing the necessary permit, thus breaching park visitor regulations. A formal document referenced a presidential executive order and other unspecified misconduct.

Joslin took to social media to express their outrage over the termination, which garnered online attention. They shared their perspective in an Instagram post in August 2025, saying, “I want my rights and I want my career back. No one, in any of my roles, has EVER had negative comments about my conduct. I treat people with the time, patience and respect I hope they will give to me.”

According to Judge Thurston, Joslin can contest their firing through the Civil Service Reform Act. This legislation is in place to shield federal employees from unjust practices and political retaliation. Joslin initiated this process by submitting a complaint to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) in December 2025, alleging “prohibited personnel practice” by the government.

In Joslin’s interview with The Times in 2025, they remarked, “My firing isn’t just about one ranger. 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 is tasked with responding to Joslin’s complaint within 240 days, with the expectation of a response by August 3. Yet, a government shutdown and a backlog of cases are likely to delay the OSC’s decision.