An Alberta Catholic School Board trustee, Monique LaGrange, is facing sanctions and sensitivity training after she made a social media post comparing children waving Nazi flags to those waving LGBT flags in a classroom. The post, which consisted of a photo of the two scenarios with the caption “brainwashing is brainwashing,” was taken down, but the Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) still decided to impose several sanctions on LaGrange.
According to her lawyer, James Kitchen, LaGrange is not allowed to sit on any board committees, speak on behalf of the board, or participate in events like graduation ceremonies. She has also been ordered to undergo sensitivity training, which she must pay for herself. Kitchen expressed concern over this decision, stating that it aligns with the trend of silencing dissent and forcefully indoctrinating individuals who hold different views.
The RDCRS initially planned to dismiss LaGrange, as stated in a September 6 statement. However, they have now decided to impose the aforementioned sanctions instead. The Epoch Times reached out to the school board for a response but did not receive a reply by publication time. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaide stated that each school board is responsible for developing a code of conduct for its trustees and has the authority to determine the appropriate consequences for violations.
In addition to the sanctions imposed by the RDCRS, LaGrange has also been removed from her position as director of the Alberta Catholic School Trustee Association (ACSTA). The ACSTA posted a statement on social media confirming her removal, citing the potential harm her post posed to the charitable learning environment offered by Alberta’s Catholic school system. The statement emphasized that Catholic schools love all students regardless of their sexual orientation and gender expression, and LaGrange’s post was considered unbecoming of an ACSTA director.
Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), criticized LaGrange’s post, stating that it undermines trust and care for students and staff in public schools. He highlighted the importance of promoting acceptance and diversity instead of discrimination and bullying. Despite the sanctions, LaGrange stands by her actions, believing that defending children is always worth it.
Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools serves over 10,650 students in 21 schools and oversees 850 students in the home education program.