Background on the Incident
A significant event occurred in Yosemite National Park when a ranger, Shannon “SJ” Joslin, was involved in an act that led to their termination. The incident took place in May when Joslin, along with a group of climbers, including two other park rangers, hung a 66-foot wide transgender pride flag on El Capitan. This action was taken as a form of protest against policies that target the transgender community, especially under the current administration.
Joslin, who is nonbinary, stated that the act was a personal statement about safety and inclusivity within national parks. They expressed feelings of hurt over the administration’s policies, which they believe marginalize trans individuals. The termination letter cited “failing to demonstrate acceptable conduct” and highlighted the incident as a reason for their dismissal.
Legal and Administrative Consequences
Following the incident, park officials announced they were collaborating with the U.S. Justice Department to address potential legal issues. The National Park Service spokesperson, Rachel Pawlitz, mentioned that administrative actions were being pursued against several employees, while possible criminal charges were also under consideration for visitors involved in the protest.
The new rule prohibiting the hanging of banners, flags, or signs larger than 15 square feet in designated wilderness areas was signed by Acting Superintendent Ray McPadden. This rule covers 94% of the park, according to Yosemite’s website. Officials defended the restriction, stating it was necessary to preserve the park’s wilderness and protect climbers.
Reactions from Advocacy Groups
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns over the implications of this incident. Joanna Citron Day, a former federal attorney, noted that flags have been displayed on El Capitan without consequences in the past. She is representing Joslin, but there is no pending legal case at this time.
Pattie Gonia, an environmentalist and drag queen, was among those who participated in the flag display. Gonia emphasized the importance of highlighting that being transgender is natural and part of the human experience. They have been involved in organizing Pride events in Yosemite for park employees and their allies.
Broader Context and Implications
The incident has sparked discussions about the broader context of the Trump administration’s policies toward the transgender community. These include limiting access to gender-affirming medical treatments, banning trans women from competing in women’s sports, removing trans people from the military, and changing the federal definition of sex to exclude gender identity.
Jayson O’Neill from Save Our Parks suggested that Joslin’s firing might be aimed at intimidating park employees about expressing their views, especially as the administration pursues cuts to the federal workforce. Since Trump took office, the National Park Service has lost approximately 2,500 employees from a workforce that had about 10,000 people, with a proposed $900 million cut to the agency’s budget next year.
First Amendment Areas in Parks
Many parks have designated “First Amendment areas” where groups of 25 or fewer people can protest without a permit. Yosemite has several such areas, including one in Yosemite Valley, where El Capitan is located. Park service rules on demonstrations have existed for decades and have withstood several court challenges, according to Bill Wade, executive director of the Association of National Park Rangers.
Despite these rules, numerous visitors have complained about unauthorized demonstrations on El Capitan earlier in the year. The incident involving the transgender pride flag has raised questions about the enforcement of these rules and the balance between free expression and park preservation.
