In a contentious move recently, a Red Deer school board trustee claimed to have received spiritual guidance, allegedly from “the Holy Spirit,” before posting a contentious meme that likened the LGBTQ2S+ community to the Nazi regime. This explanation was revealed in a 15-page decision issued by the Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools board of trustees.
The trustee in question, Monique LaGrange, posted a meme on Aug. 27, which featured juxtaposed images of children waving swastika flags alongside children with Pride flags, bearing the caption “brainwashing is brainwashing.”
Following a review, the board decided on Oct. 13 that LaGrange had breached various school policies. As such, she was ordered to offer a sincere apology, undergo sensitivity training, and acknowledge that her post had caused emotional distress. Despite the order, the trustee remained adamant, contending that her post was not intended as an attack on the LGBTQ community. She further argued that she had been subjected to procedural unfairness and bias during the disciplinary process.
LaGrange defended her post, stating it was actually about indoctrination via the United Nations, drawing parallels to World War II and Nazism. She claimed it aimed to expose the supposed agenda of the United Nations and Planned Parenthood to undermine the identity of young people and hijack the LGBTQ community’s original cause.
Several complaints were lodged against LaGrange’s post, notably from school division employees. The document did not disclose these individuals’ identities. The board also received a criticism-laden letter from the Simon Wiesenthal Centre of Holocaust Studies regarding the meme.
There were also voices of support. Four parents expressed their backing for LaGrange, who was elected in 2021, through letters to the board. The trustee herself stated that the decision to post the meme was guided by what she believed was a message from the Holy Spirit.
The board, however, disagreed with her stance and questioned its alignment with Roman Catholic values. Instead, they underscored their primary commitment to the board’s policies and the education act, which promote a safe, inclusive, respectful, and caring learning environment.
Contrary to LaGrange’s viewpoint, the board ruled that her post was neither dignified nor professional, nor unrelated to Nazism, irrespective of her intent. They concluded that any reasonable observer could perceive a negative comparison in the juxtaposed photographs.
The fallout from the decision means LaGrange can retain her position on the board but is barred from participating in board committees, attending meetings, or representing the board, until the completion of her sensitivity training.
LaGrange’s lawyer, James Kitchen, stated that his client will not apologize and will seek a judicial review. He clarified that LaGrange was not compelled to share the meme, and instead prayed for spiritual guidance before receiving an affirmation from “the Holy Spirit.” He concluded that the school board’s decision stemmed from a “Liberal worldview” and plans to challenge it legally.
Meanwhile, the future of the board hangs in the balance. Board chair Murray Hollman confirmed that the board is currently awaiting LaGrange’s potential request for a judicial review and that no apology has been issued so far.
