A Red Deer Catholic School trustee stated the Holy Spirit told her to “go for it” and post a meme that many people deemed offensive, and which resulted in her being sanctioned and ordered to apologize.
This was revealed in a 15-page document that was made public by the local Catholic School board on Tuesday, at the request of Trustee Monique LaGrange’s lawyer.
It gives both sides of the discussions that took place behind closed doors on Sept. 25 and 26 as the school board deliberated with LaGrange and her lawyer over what to do in response to public criticism of her actions.
On or about Aug. 27, the trustee posted a meme on her personal Facebook page of two side-by-side photographs. One was a historic photo of young Nazi supporters and the other was a contemporary image of young people holding a rainbow Pride flag. Beneath were the words “brainwashing is brainwashing.”
LaGrange defended the post by saying the meme was not about the 2SLGBTQ1A+ community, but rather a criticism of indoctrination. She told the board that it does not compare the two groups, but is about an objectionable ideology and protecting kids.
“It is about the agenda of the United Nations and Planned Parenthood, which is an attempt to sabotage our youths’ identities and destinies and hijacks the LGBTQ’s original mandate.”
The sexuality and beliefs of students should be “between God, parent and child,” stated the trustee, and “sexual orientation decisions should not be made or influenced at school, especially Catholic schools.”
LaGrange also argued the Pride flag and cancel culture are being used to silence discussions, which is antithetical to her religious beliefs. “It is important to… be vigilant as to what we are allowing to influence our children.”
The trustee told the board “the Holy Spirit had told her to post the meme.” LaGrange added the Holy Spirit told her, “Go for it.”
While she and her lawyer, James Kitchen, argued her actions align with Catholic beliefs and are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights — the Board dismissed these arguments.
As the school board must focus on the Education Act and the board conduct code, considering whether her views align with the Roman Catholic faith was unnecessary. (In any case, no expert was presented at the special meeting.) And the Charter Rights argument was discounted since LaGrange did not challenge the constitutionality of the school board’s policy.
LaGrange was ultimately suspended from committee duties and from representing the board at public functions and told to sincerely apologize and understand why her actions were inappropriate and offensive to many, including the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre.
Reasons for the board’s decision, as outlined in the document, are that LaGrange’s actions contravene the Alberta Education Act and Red Deer Catholic School Board policies.
“Freedom of expression… is not absolute,” the board concluded since the Education Act reads that trustees “be cognizant they are representing interests of the board while posting or commenting on social media, and aware of public perception that their posts comments and social media engagement are in accordance with their duties within the school division.”
LaGrange’s right to expression must be balanced against the board’s duty to uphold provincial and local statutes and policies that embrace inclusion, diversity and the well-being of all students. Trustees must be role models “and be seen to be tolerant of the pluralistic and diverse nature of society,” the document states.
The board determined LaGrange put her personal interest above her board duties. She did not consider potential damage her post could cause to public perceptions of the board, did not act with diligence in bringing her issues/problems to the table for discussion before posting; did not communicate respectfully and inclusively; and her conduct, therefore, did not meet highest ethical, dignified and professional standards.
The board also didn’t accept that the meme was unrelated to Nazism, stating “a reasonable person viewing the two photographs could reasonably conclude that a negative comparison was made.”
Red Deer Catholic School Board chair Murray Hollman could not be reached for comment.
LaGrange’s lawyer, James Kitchen said, “We asked the Board to release the reasons, to which they agreed, as we felt it was in the public interest and would foster transparency and accountability and would permit public scrutiny, which is desirable.”
He added LaGrange will be applying to the Court of King’s Bench for judicial review of the Board’s decision, “so the reasons would have become public in any event.”