A Yosemite National Park ranger was dismissed after displaying a pride flag on El Capitan, and some visitors might face charges due to stricter protest regulations implemented under President Trump.
Shannon “SJ” Jocelyn, a biologist and ranger, reportedly blocked a highway for two hours on May 20 before showcasing a 66-foot-wide transgender pride flag on the iconic climbing wall, which was promptly removed. The termination letter Jocelyn received last week alleged “unacceptable conduct” related to their duties as a biologist, specifically referencing the May incident.
“It’s really painful because the current administration is taking aim at trans individuals. I identify as non-binary,” Jocelyn, who is 35, shared with The Associated Press. They described raising the flag as a way to convey that “everyone is welcome in national parks.”
Jocelyn expressed concern that their firing signals a broader message: “If you’re a federal employee with an identity that contradicts this administration, you’re expected to be quiet, or you’ll face consequences.”
Park officials announced on Tuesday that they are collaborating with the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate both visitors and staff who, allegedly, transgressed demonstration regulations within the park, which saw over 4 million visitors last year.
Rachel Paulitz, a spokesperson for the National Park Service, stated that the agency is pursuing administrative actions against several Yosemite staff members and considering criminal charges against park visitors who might have violated federal laws regarding demonstrations.
According to Jocelyn, a group of seven climbers, including two other rangers, was involved in raising the flag. Other park staff are currently on administrative leave while investigations are ongoing.
Joanna Citron Day, a former federal attorney now working with advocacy groups focused on environmental responsibility, mentioned that the flag had been displayed on El Capitan for an extended period. She represents Jocelyn but noted that there are no active legal proceedings at this time.
On May 21, the day following the flag display, acting director Ray McPaden enacted a new rule that prohibits flags or signs larger than 15 square feet in areas deemed “wild” or “potential wilderness,” which constitutes about 94% of the park, according to Yosemite’s website.
New restrictions were deemed necessary by park officials to safeguard the wilderness and protect climbers.
“We take the conservation of park resources and the visitor experience extremely seriously, and we won’t tolerate any breaches of laws or regulations that could impact those,” Paulitz added.
This development follows a highly publicized incident in February when protesters displayed an upside-down American flag at El Capitan in response to the firing of National Park Service employees by the Trump administration.
Among those who helped raise the transgender flag was Gonia, an environmentalist and drag performer who uses art to highlight conservation issues. For the last five years, Gonia has assisted park employees in organizing pride events in Yosemite.
Gonia explained that hanging the trans flag on the historic granite wall aimed to celebrate the naturalness of being transgender.
This year, an executive order signed by Trump altered the federal definition of sex to exclude gender identity, alongside other measures that restricted trans women’s participation in sports, barred trans individuals from military service, and limited access to gender-affirming healthcare.
Gonia criticized the firing as unjust, with Jocelyn stating that they raised the flag during their personal time, as civilians.
“SJ is a respected part of the Yosemite community and an incredibly dedicated volunteer,” Gonia remarked.
Jason O’Neill from the advocacy group Save Over Parks mentioned that Jocelyn’s actions were meant to highlight the challenges park employees face as the Trump administration pushes for significant workforce reductions.
Since Trump took office, the National Park Service has lost about 2,500 employees from a total workforce of around 10,000, as noted by Wade. The president has proposed slashing the agency’s budget by $900 million for the upcoming year.
Paulitz indicated that numerous visitors had raised concerns about unauthorized demonstrations occurring at El Capitan earlier this year.
Many parks have established “First Amendment Conditions,” allowing groups of 25 or fewer to protest without seeking prior approval. Yosemite has several designated areas for this, including parts of the valley where El Capitan is located.
Bill Wade, executive director of the National Park Rangers Association, stated that Park Service rules regarding demonstrations have been in place for decades and have faced multiple court challenges. He noted that he was not aware of any changes in their enforcement after Trump took office.
