WARNING: This story contains images that may be disturbing.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association is calling for a Red Deer Catholic school trustee to resign or face sanctions over a “hateful post” on social media.
And Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools is writing to the minister of education “as to the dismissal of Trustee (Monique) LaGrange,” the school board said Wednesday afternoon.
Last week, a story shared online from a social media account belonging to Monique LaGrange included an old black-and-white photo of smiling children leaning out a window waving Nazi flags with swastikas on them.
A more modern photo directly beneath it shows young children in a classroom holding up homemade Pride rainbow flags.
The caption reads: “Brainwashing is brainwashing.”
The post was later deleted.
On Wednesday, ATA president Jason Schilling released a statement.
“Too much time has passed since this hateful post by Trustee LaGrange surfaced, and we still do not have any public statement from the trustee. LaGrange’s inaction leaves us to conclude that the trustee has no understanding of, or remorse for, the harm she has caused,” he wrote.
“LaGrange’s Facebook post was vile and repugnant.
“Not only does it serve to undermine the atrocities of the Nazi regime, but it also acts as a form of oppression to entice further hatred toward members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
“Monique LaGrange’s Facebook post is hate speech,” Schilling said.
“Trusteeship, by definition, requires behaviour that engenders trust. LaGrange can no longer be trusted to act in a manner that preserves the safety, well-being and dignity of the students of Red Deer Catholic. She has no choice but to resign.
“Her actions are a clear violation of sections 33 and 34 of the Education Act, which require school boards to ensure that all students and staff are provided a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging. LaGrange’s offensive post is a rejection of this responsibility and an assault on students and teachers and the entire school community,” the statement continued.
“If Trustee LaGrange does not resign, then the board of Red Deer Catholic must use its powers within the trustee code of conduct policy and section 33 of the Education Act to censure LaGrange and remove her from all board committees and appointments. If the board fails to take appropriate action to address LaGrange’s inappropriate conduct, then the education minister should launch a formal review.
“Attacks on sexual and gender diverse students and school staff are increasing to exceptional and troubling levels. All of us are obligated to take action and speak out to protect the physical safety and mental well-being of those under threat.
“Swift, decisive and highly visible action to combat this hatred is the only way forward,” Schilling said.
In a news release sent Wednesday afternoon, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) said it held a special board meeting on Tuesday to discuss LaGrange’s conduct.
“An additional motion was also passed for the board of trustees to write to the minister of education as to the dismissal of Trustee LaGrange,” the board stated.
It is not clear if the board needs the minister’s permission to dismiss LaGrange. Global News has asked RDCRS for clarification.
The board said at that meeting, Trustee Murray Hollman was appointed as its new chair and Trustee Dorraine Lonsdale as its new vice-chair, effective Tuesday, Sept. 5.
It is not clear if these appointments are related to the LaGrange matter. Global News has asked RDCRS for clarification.
“Our division is built upon a foundation of providing quality inclusive education, diversity, trustworthiness, and a commitment to the well-being of our students,” the statement continued.
“Our students and staff, their education, and their safety remain our priority. To this end, if any student, staff or parent requires support, please do not hesitate to contact us at 403-343-1055.”
Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said Wednesday he spoke with the chair of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools board.
The minister said the board has the ability to disqualify a trustee.
“This matter is currently in front of the board, who has full authority and autonomy to disqualify a sitting trustee.
“The board has indicated that they are seeking advice on the code of conduct, and then will proceed accordingly. The board has assured me that they will handle this in a quick and effective manner,” Nicolaides said.
In a statement to Global News on Friday, the Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) Board of Trustees said the story shared by Trustee Monique LaGrange “does not align with the principles and values that guide our division, and Trustee LaGrange does not speak on behalf of the board.
“In response to learning about this matter, we immediately engaged our Trustee Code of Conduct,” the statement continued. “According to the code, issues can be handled through a conciliatory approach if all parties are agreeable. In this instance, Trustee LaGrange removed the social media post from her Facebook page as requested by the board.”
Global News reached out to Monique LaGrange for comment last Friday but did not hear back. Global News has reached out to LaGrange again Wednesday. This article will be updated if/when we receive a response.
In a social media message on Wednesday, the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Canadian human rights and social advocacy organization, issued a statement on the post.
“Comparing the LGBTQ+ community to the Nazi regime, especially considering the Nazis’ persecution of the minority group, is abhorrent and a form of Holocaust distortion.
“We stand with #Alberta‘s LGBTQ+ community in denouncing this offensive post shared by @rdcrs trustee Monique LaGrange, and have offered our educational programs to the school board.”
Kristopher Wells, Canada research chair for the public understanding of sexual and gender minority youth and associate professor at MacEwan University, said Friday he was disgusted by the post.
“It’s even worse for it to come from a person in a position of leadership, as an elected official, and somebody who is working to protect and support children in our school system.
“It’s unconscionable and I believe that not only should this trustee immediately resign, the RCMP should be investigating it as a hate incident, and I would call on the minister of education to also launch an investigation,” Wells said.
“We can’t have 2SLGBTQ children who attend our school system wondering if they’re in a safe environment or not.”
More to come.
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