Park ranger fired for hanging trans pride flag sues Interior Department
The Hill
by Max RegoFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A former National Park Service (NPS) ranger who was fired for hanging a transgender pride flag in Yosemite National Park has filed a lawsuit against multiple federal agencies, arguing that her termination violated her First Amendment rights. Dr. Shannon “SJ” Joslin, who was terminated last year after displaying the flag on her personal property near her workplace, is seeking legal recourse through the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
The incident occurred in 2023 when Joslin hung a transgender pride flag near her residence within Yosemite National Park. After receiving complaints from visitors, park officials investigated and ultimately terminated her employment. Joslin claims that her actions were a personal expression of her identity and not an official endorsement of a political message, asserting that her free speech rights were infringed upon by the NPS.
The lawsuit raises important questions about workplace rights, particularly regarding personal expressions of identity in federal jobs. Joslin’s case highlights tensions between individual freedoms and government policies aimed at maintaining neutrality. Her legal team argues that her termination was discriminatory and sets a precedent for how personal expressions of identity are treated in public service roles.
This case has broader implications for LGBTQ+ rights and workplace protections, potentially influencing similar situations across federal agencies. It also underscores the ongoing debate over First Amendment rights in government employment, where the boundaries between personal expression and professional conduct remain unclear. As Joslin’s lawsuit progresses, it could set a legal precedent for how such cases are handled in the future.
For readers interested in politics and civil rights, this case offers insight into the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in public service and the legal battles over free speech in government employment. The outcome may have significant repercussions for workplace policies and individual freedoms in federal jobs.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/23/2026