Yosemite National Park Apprentice Fired After Protest

An apprentice wildlife biologist at Yosemite National Park was let go last year for dismantling a prominent American symbol as a way to express dissent against the Trump administration’s gender-affirming policies.

Shannon Joslin was upset about a certain event, which led to her draping a large trans activist flag and covering part of the El Capitan newspaper on May 20, 2025. She portrayed herself as a victim and subsequently initiated legal action.

Despite her frustrations, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel rejected her complaint, prompting Jocelyn to seek intervention from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. She aimed to have the National Park Service reinstate her, arguing that the Trump administration should not penalize her for her advocacy for transgender rights.

Her case eventually moved to California, where Judge Jennifer Thurston, appointed by Biden, struck a sympathetic tone, using Jocelyn’s preferred pronouns, “they/them,” but nonetheless dismissed her claims related to employment and relief requests, citing a lack of jurisdiction.

“The court lacks the authority to consider Mr. Jocelyn’s termination or to recommend any related relief, including reinstatement,” Judge Thurston stated.

The case took a turn when Judge Thurston noted that the government claimed Jocelyn’s firing was for reasons “completely unrelated” to their public expressions. However, she highlighted a fundamental issue: the laws and precedents set by Congress prohibit the court from ruling on the constitutionality of Jocelyn’s termination.

Joslin had originally conceived the idea of placing the flag on El Capitan as a form of support for transgender individuals, coordinating with others to ensure the logistical feasibility. “Calling your congressman or writing to your representative feels like shouting into the void. We have a microphone called El Cap,” she reportedly stated.

In the aftermath of using the rock formation as a platform for gender ideologies, Joslin received notice on August 12, 2025, that her employment was terminated. The letter emphasized the purpose of her probationary period, which was to evaluate her suitability and conduct.

“During your probationary period, you have failed to demonstrate acceptable conduct,” the notice stated. Specifically, it pointed out her participation in a demonstration outside the designated protest area without the necessary authorization.

After Jocelyn’s appeal was rejected, the Home Office and National Park Service emphasized their commitment to upholding park regulations and protecting visitor experiences. “Yosemite National Park was created to showcase the natural beauty and cultural significance of the region,” they added. Demonstrating without a permit, regardless of the reasoning, undermines visitor experience and the park’s protections.

Jocelyn, without a salary from the National Park Service, has since used her layoff as a springboard to produce a film exploring the intricate relationship between wildlife, food systems, and LGBTQ+ rights.