A non-binary park ranger was terminated from Yosemite National Park after displaying a transgender pride flag on El Capitan Rock Formation in May.
Shannon “SJ” Jocelyn, aged 35, began their tenure at the park in 2021 as both a ranger and wildlife biologist.
Jocelyn claims they were dismissed by the temporary deputy director on August 12 for not exhibiting “acceptable conduct” in their role.
“I want my rights and I want to regain my career,” Jocelyn expressed on social media.
They mentioned that the flag display occurred during their personal time, away from their official duties.
“It had nothing to do with my work,” Jocelyn asserted.
Jocelyn pointed out their contributions to the National Park Service over the years, including taking on overtime and lesser-paying positions that allowed for more lucrative opportunities elsewhere.
“I’m devastated. We’re not here to make money; we do it because we love working here,” Jocelyn stated.
The ranger said their actions were motivated by policies from the Trump administration that they felt targeted transgender individuals.
The flag was only displayed for about two hours before park officials instructed climbers to take it down.
Following the incident, the NPS established a new regulation prohibiting large flags in wilderness areas.
A week later, Jocelyn mentioned that a criminal investigation into the flag display had been initiated. Their dismissal followed a three-month inquiry.
Jocelyn asserted that two other National Park Service employees, who assisted in hanging the flag, were the only ones facing repercussions for the incident.
However, a Yosemite spokesperson indicated that management actions were being considered against several NPS employees for not adhering to National Park Service regulations.
The spokesperson did not specify which regulations were claimed to have been violated.
Additionally, an NPS representative mentioned that administrative measures were being taken against multiple employees, while a parallel investigation with the Department of Justice noted possible criminal charges against park visitors involved in the demonstration.
Jocelyn intends to contest the park’s decision by referencing an executive order from Trump’s inauguration, which emphasized free speech and opposition to federal censorship.
The NPS operates under the US Department of Interior and is led by former North Dakota governor Doug Burgum.
“This was my dream job involving wildlife, land, recreation, people’s rights, and the community. And now it relates to the First Amendment,” Jocelyn remarked.
