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A routine day at Yosemite National Park turned into a national story when wildlife biologist Dr. Shannon Joslin was dismissed following a dramatic display of a transgender pride flag on El Capitan. The 35-year-old, who is nonbinary and holds a PhD in genomics studying bats, had joined six other climbers in unfurling a 55-by-35-foot flag one third of the way up the iconic granite monolith on May 20. Park Cites Conduct Violation In a termination letter, Yosemite’s acting deputy superintendent, Danika Globokar, stated that Joslin had “failed to demonstrate acceptable conduct.” The timing was especially sensitive: the day after the stunt, new legislation banned the display of large flags and banners on El Capitan and across the national park. Officials framed the ban as part of a broader effort to limit political demonstrations on public lands. Joslin Speaks Out Joslin described the role at Yosemite as their “dream job” and stressed that the flag unfurling was done entirely off-duty, in their personal time. In a social media post, they wrote: “No part of hanging the flag was done on work time. NOTHING about it had anything to do with my work. Preservation has been my life’s work—of Yosemite, the wildlife, the land, recreation, people’s rights and safety, community, acceptance, and now the Constitutional First Amendment. I want my rights and I want my career back.” They also revealed plans to pursue legal action, arguing that their firing touches on broader First Amendment rights: “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.” Allies Join the Conversation Among the climbers was environmental activist and drag performer Pattie Gonia, who said the flag display was meant to send a message of acceptance: “We flew the Trans pride flag in Yosemite to make a statement: Trans people are natural and Trans people are loved. Let this flag fly higher than hate.” After Joslin’s dismissal, Gonia added that the firing violated constitutional rights and undermined the values of service, community, and dedication: “This is about silencing those who oppose injustice, and we must not let that happen.” Penalties Under New Rules The legislation introduced new penalties for violating the flag ban: individuals could face up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine, while groups could be fined as much as $10,000. The rules came in the wake of past protests, including an inverted American flag displayed on El Capitan in February to protest cuts to the Park Service under former Trump administration policies. El Capitan: A Monumental Stage Standing over 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, El Capitan is one of the world’s most challenging climbs. Once considered impossible, it has been scaled by many adventurers and has featured in multiple films, making it a symbol of both physical and cultural prominence. Park Service Responds The National Park Service released a statement addressing the broader issue, without commenting on Joslin’s individual case: “The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of Justice are pursuing administrative action against several Yosemite employees and possible criminal charges against park visitors who allegedly violated federal laws related to demonstrations. We do not comment on personnel actions or criminal investigations. However, we take seriously the protection of the park’s resources and the experience of our visitors and will not tolerate violations of laws and regulations that impact those resources and experiences.” Joslin’s case has sparked national discussion about free speech, civil servant rights, and the balance between personal expression and park regulations.

A routine day at Yosemite National Park turned into a national story when wildlife biologist Dr. Shannon Joslin was dismissed following a dramatic display of

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