A ranger at Yosemite National Park claims they were fired after participating in a demonstration supporting the transgender community.
“SJ” Joslin announced Monday that their First Amendment right to free speech was violated after being fired for their part in hanging up the trans pride flag across Yosemite’s iconic El Capitan in May.
Joslin says at the time, they were off the clock and did not use any park resources to hang the flag. Joslin adds that the reason they were given for being let go was for “failing to demonstrate acceptable conduct” as a wildlife biologist.
In a statement from Yosemite National Park, officials stated that “the National Park Service is pursuing administrative action against multiple National Park Service employees for failing to follow National Park Service regulations.”
Over the past four and a half years in this position, Joslin says they have gone above and beyond for the park and the local community of Yosemite.
“SJ is a respected pillar within the Yosemite community, a tireless volunteer who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the safety of visitors in one of the country’s most revered national parks,” said Nat Geo environmentalist Pattie Gonia. “To strip SJ of their position is not only an affront to their personal freedom but an attack on the very values of service, dedication, and community that SJ embodies. This is about silencing those who oppose injustice and we must not let that happen.”
Joslin believes their termination is a violation of their First Amendment and directly in conflict with President Trump’s executive order on “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship” earlier this year.
“Our team followed every written and unwritten rule, left no trace, and honored Yosemite’s accepted traditions. Flying the trans flag signified acceptance and safety within the park. If this administration starts telling park rangers we are not allowed the constitutional right of free speech as private civilians, what is to stop them from taking it from you next?” Joslin said.
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