A Catholic faculty board trustee in Purple Deer may face dismissal from her position after public backlash from a social media submit that likened LGBTQ satisfaction to Nazi Germany.
Monique LaGrange, a trustee of Purple Deer Catholic Regional Colleges, posted on social media final week a now-deleted submit that featured an image of youngsters waving Nazi flags above an image of youngsters waving Delight flags.
“Brainwashing is brainwashing,” her submit learn.
Purple Deer Catholic Regional Colleges issued a information launch on Wednesday confirming it had held a particular board assembly on Tuesday relating to LaGrange’s submit on Instagram.
The assembly was to debate “the trustee code of conduct matter, associated procedures, and subsequent steps additional to trustee Monique LaGrange’s social media submit at or round Aug. 30, 2023,” the discharge stated.
“An extra movement was additionally handed for the board of trustees to write down to the minister of schooling as to the dismissal of trustee LaGrange,” reads the information launch from Purple Deer Catholic Regional Colleges.
Additionally learn: Scope Of Convoy Protest ‘Exceeded Expectations,’ Co-Organizers’ Trial Hears
Faraway from trustees’ affiliation
Harry Salm, president of the Alberta Catholic College Trustees’ Affiliation, stated in a press release that the ACSTA board voted Thursday to take away LaGrange from her place as a director of the affiliation.
Salm stated the social media submit was “unbecoming of an ACSTA director” and “has the potential to undermine the charitable studying atmosphere supplied by Alberta’s Catholic faculty system.”
Eradicating a trustee from the affiliation’s board “just isn’t a call we take evenly,” Salm stated.
“Our Catholic faculties love all college students as presents from God in his picture, no matter their sexual orientation and gender expression.”
Trustee Anne Marie Watson, who had been the board chair going into Tuesday’s particular assembly, is not within the position, however no causes got. Trustees appointed Murray Hollman as the brand new board chair, with Dorraine Lonsdale because the vice-chair, efficient instantly.
CBC contacted LaGrange by telephone. She stated she was not eager about doing an interview.
Schooling Minister Demetrios Nicolaides advised CBC in a written assertion that the board has “full authority and autonomy” to disqualify a sitting trustee.
“The board has indicated that they’re in search of recommendation on the code of conduct after which will proceed accordingly,” Nicolaides stated.
“The board has assured me that they are going to deal with this in a fast and efficient method.”
In a weekend submit on social media platform X, previously referred to as Twitter, Nicolaides “categorically” condemned LaGrange’s feedback.
“Nobody ought to must reside in concern of violence, discrimination, or exclusion,” he wrote. “All college students need to really feel protected and welcome in faculties throughout the province.”
Publish was ‘repugnant’: ATA
In its information launch, the varsity board stated the division is constructed on a basis of offering “high quality inclusive schooling, variety, trustworthiness, and a dedication to the well-being of our college students.
“Our college students and employees, their schooling, and their security stay our precedence.”
LaGrange has been dealing with backlash for her submit, together with from the Alberta Lecturers’ Affiliation (ATA), which issued a press release earlier on Wednesday calling for her to resign.
Additionally learn: Looking out For Solace A 12 months After Tragedy In James Smith Cree Nation
“Not solely does it serve to undermine the atrocities of the Nazi regime, however it additionally acts as a type of oppression to entice additional hatred towards members of the 2SLGBTQ+ group,” ATA president Jason Schilling stated in a press release.
In an interview on Wednesday, Schilling stated the affiliation has lengthy been an advocate and ally for the LGBTQ group. He stated lecturers and faculty trustees are answerable for making a protected house for college students.
“So to see this posting by Ms. LaGrange that’s repugnant, vile [and] hate-filled actually undermines that protected house that we strive very laborious to create at faculties,” Schilling stated.
“And when you’re unwilling to try this work to create a protected house for college students — for individuals who work within the constructing — then you shouldn’t have any enterprise being a trustee.”
Schilling stated LaGrange ought to acknowledge her feedback and publicly apologize to these she might have harmed. Members of the ATA have voiced their considerations, he stated, however haven’t filed any formal complaints.
The affiliation has not spoken with LaGrange, Schilling stated.
Lenny Gallant, president of the Central Alberta Delight Society, stated his group is disgusted by LaGrange’s feedback.
“This isn’t the primary elected official in central Alberta that we’ve had issues with previously, so it’s disheartening to see that we’re nonetheless happening this path,” he stated, including the feedback incite hate.
“Whether or not that’s what she meant by it or not, we take it as hate towards the group.”
Gallant stated the society acquired complaints from group members, together with mother and father. He stated members wish to see variety and inclusion coaching for future Catholic and public faculty board trustees.