National Park Service Biologist’s Termination Leads to Lawsuit

Solidarity turned controversial for a National Park Service biologist in May 2025. Shannon Joslin, who identifies with they/them pronouns, displayed a transgender flag at El Capitan. Subsequently, Joslin faced termination and claimed infringement of their free speech rights.

In February 2026, Joslin initiated a lawsuit against several government agencies and officials, accusing them of retaliation for their off-duty expression. Their lawsuit sought job reinstatement, a declaration of illegal government actions, protection from criminal charges, and financial compensation.

Last Friday, a federal judge dismissed Joslin’s case. The court could not compel the park service to reinstate them. U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston noted that Joslin used the incorrect procedure to contest the termination.

Joslin stated that they were acting as a private citizen on their day off during the flag demonstration. However, a week later, they were informed by a Park Service law enforcement officer of an ongoing criminal investigation. Following this, Yosemite’s acting deputy superintendent issued a termination letter.

Joslin’s termination took place a few weeks before their two-year trial period concluded. The employer cited failure to show acceptable conduct, claiming they bypassed rules applicable to all park visitors by not obtaining a permit for the demonstration.

A form later provided to Joslin referenced a presidential executive order and unnamed unacceptable conduct, as the court ruling indicated. In response, Joslin turned to social media to express outrage. Their story gained online traction when they wrote, “I want my rights and I want my career back” on Instagram in August 2025.

Judge Thurston pointed out that Joslin could contest their termination through the Civil Service Reform Act. This Act offers protection to federal employees from unfair practices and political retaliation. Joslin began this process in December 2025 by filing a complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), alleging unauthorized personnel practices.

“My firing isn’t just about one ranger,” Joslin told The Times in 2025. “It’s about whether everyone has the right to speak freely in the United States. This kind of targeting threatens the rights of civil servants, and by extension, all Americans, to speak freely.”

The Office of Special Counsel has up to 240 days to respond to Joslin’s complaint, with a deadline set for August 3. However, due to a government shutdown and case backlog, a response from the OSC might face delays.