A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by a Yosemite National Park ranger who was fired after helping hang a giant transgender pride flag from El Capitan, dealing a setback to a case that has become entangled in wider disputes over free speech, public protest and federal employment rules.
The ruling does not determine whether Shannon 'SJ' Joslin's dismissal was lawful. Instead, it concludes that the former ranger must pursue the challenge through the federal civil service system before seeking relief in court.
