Judge Dismisses Ex-Ranger’s Lawsuit but Leaves Free-Speech Claims Unexamined

U.S. District Judge Jennifer Thurston dismissed a lawsuit filed by former Yosemite National Park ranger Shannon “SJ” Joslin on Friday. The judge ruled that Joslin, who was a probationary employee at the time of termination, must follow procedures under the Civil Service Reform Act and file a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel.

Thurston noted that granting probationary employees direct court access would give them more options than tenured employees receive. The Office of Special Counsel had already denied Joslin’s request to halt the termination while it investigates. A final decision from the office is expected in August.

Joslin, a biologist who studies bats, assisted in hanging a 66-foot-wide transgender pride flag on El Capitan for about two hours on May 20, 2025, while off duty, then voluntarily removed it. ” One day after the flag display, Yosemite implemented a new rule barring banners, flags, or signs larger than 15 square feet in wilderness or potential wilderness areas.

The rule covers 94 percent of the park.

The lawsuit alleged constitutional violations by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior, claiming the termination was retaliatory. The ruling did not address the free speech claims on their merits.