The National Park Service has dismissed Shannon “SJ” Joslin, a 35-year-old ranger and bat biologist at Yosemite National Park, after an internal review found that Joslin violated employee-conduct standards by helping display a transgender pride flag on El Capitan. Joslin and six other climbers—including two fellow rangers—draped a roughly 66-foot-wide banner over the granite face for about two hours on 20 May before removing it voluntarily. Although the action took place while Joslin was off duty, a termination letter said the stunt failed to demonstrate acceptable behavior for a federal employee. Park officials said they are working with the U.S. Justice Department on potential administrative penalties against staff and possible criminal charges against visitors involved. The two other rangers have been placed on administrative leave. One day after the display, Acting Superintendent Ray McPadden barred banners larger than 15 sq ft in areas that make up 94 percent of the park’s wilderness. The episode highlights growing tension over political expression on federal land as demonstration rules have been tightened under President Donald Trump. The debate comes amid broader pressure on the National Park Service, which has lost about 2,500 employees since 2021 and is facing a proposed $900 million budget cut. Yosemite attracted more than 4 million visitors last year, making enforcement of the new restrictions highly visible.