Federal Judge Lacks Authority to Reinstate Yosemite Ranger Fired Over Transgender Flag
A federal judge ruled on Friday that she does not possess the authority to reinstate a former Yosemite National Park ranger. The ranger, Shannon “SJ” Joslin, was dismissed last year after unfurling a transgender pride flag at the El Capitan rock formation. The court's decision did not address Joslin's allegation that the termination selectively targeted speech protected by the First Amendment.
A federal judge issued a ruling on Friday, determining that there is no legal authority to reinstate a former Yosemite National Park ranger.
Shannon “SJ” Joslin was terminated last year after unfurling a transgender pride flag at the park's prominent El Capitan rock formation.
Joslin had alleged that the firing constituted a selective targeting of their speech, which is protected under the First Amendment. However, the judge's decision specifically noted that it did not address this particular allegation.
The ruling focused solely on the judge's jurisdictional limits concerning the reinstatement of the former park employee.
According to The Hill, the judge found no authority to order the reinstatement.
