Yosemite National Park has banned large flags, banners, and signs at El Capitan, a popular protest site over the past year. The ban, formalized on May 20, prohibits displays larger than 3 by 5 feet on the park’s cliffs and mountains. Violators could face up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine, according to the New York Sun.
The decision comes after several high-profile protests at the site, including a “Stop the Genocide” banner in June 2024, an upside-down American flag in February, and a transgender pride flag last month. These protests addressed issues such as the Israel-Hamas conflict, staffing cuts at the National Park Service, and the erasure of trans communities from government websites by the Trump administration.
Park officials argue that the ban is necessary to protect climbers’ safety and preserve Yosemite’s wilderness character. However, critics see it as a crackdown on free speech, with some accusing the Trump administration of trying to silence dissent on issues like immigration and Middle East policy.
The ban is part of a broader federal effort to manage public lands, which includes workforce cuts and a directive to remove signs deemed negative about Americans. The new rule aims to balance the visitor experience with the need to maintain the park’s natural resources.
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