By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

RCMP: "WE ARE REVIEWING THE MATTER"

Red Deer Catholic writes Education Minister on dismissal of trustee who posted Nazi, 2SLGBTQ+ comparison

Sep 6, 2023 | 8:21 PM

While the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) said Wednesday that a Red Deer school trustee, “has no choice but to resign,” the board of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) is also taking steps to act.

Alberta RCMP too had something to say about it today.

In a statement put out Sept. 6, RDCRS notes it held a special meeting Sept. 5 to discuss the matter involving Trustee Monique LaGrange.

That matter, which came to light last Friday, being that LaGrange posted a Facebook story likening the Pride movement to Nazism. Her post, which would’ve expired after 24 hours but was purportedly deleted sooner, showed a picture of kids waving Nazi flags, with a picture below of kids waving rainbow Pride flags, plus the caption ‘Brainwashing is brainwashing.’

An image of the post can be seen in the link below.

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READ MORE (Details may be offensive to some readers): Red Deer Catholic school trustee likens Pride movement to Nazism

At the meeting, RDCRS says, “An additional motion was passed for the board of trustees to write to the Minister of Education as to the dismissal of Trustee LaGrange.”

The statement goes on to say the division is built upon a foundation of providing quality inclusive education, diversity, trustworthiness, and a commitment to students’ wellbeing.

“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,” it concludes.

One additional note from the division is that at the special meeting, Trustee Murray Hollman was appointed new board chair, and Trustee Dorraine Lonsdale is new vice-chair, replacing Anne Marie Watson and Cynthia Leyson. An explanation for this change was not given.

Then there’s ATA President Jason Schilling who isn’t mincing words about LaGrange’s status as trustee.

Wednesday, Schilling called her post vile, repugnant and hate speech, surmising that not only does it undermine the atrocities of the Nazi regime, but it is oppressive in that it entices further hatred toward the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

“Too much time has passed since this hateful post 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,” says Schilling.

rdnewsNOW reached out to LaGrange on Friday and Saturday, but have heard nothing back.

“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,” Schilling continues.

“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.”

rdnewsNOW has sent several questions to the Education Minister and hopes to hear back Thursday. We also sent several questions to RDCRS prior to their statement being released.

Schilling explains LaGrange’s 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,” he says. “Swift, decisive and highly visible action to combat this hatred is the only way forward.”

Meantime, ATA Local 80, which represents RDCRS workers, says Wednesday the post was, “intended to incite hate.”

They also cite section 33(1)(d) of the Education Act.

“We welcome the swift condemnation of LaGrange’s comments by Board Chair Anne Marie Watson, and support the board’s efforts to hold LaGrange accountable in accordance with the Trustee Code of Conduct and related board policy,” the local says. “It remains to be seen whether LaGrange herself will take responsibility for her offensive public posting and make amends to those she has hurt.”

In a brief statement to rdnewsNOW today, Alberta RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff says, “The Alberta RCMP take any allegation of hate-motivated incidents seriously. At this time, we can say we are aware of the social media post and are reviewing the matter.”

Central Alberta Pride Society, distant relative to Trustee LaGrange Health Minister Adriana LaGrange, and Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides all have reaction in our earlier coverage of this story.