Hearing commences for Red Deer Catholic School Trustee who was disqualified due to social media posts
The hearing for a Catholic school trustee who was removed for posts on social media criticizing gender ideology is set to begin on May 1.
Monique LaGrange was disqualified by the Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) in November 2023 for allegedly not following board sanctions. These sanctions were imposed after Ms. LaGrange expressed criticism of gender issues on social media.
Ms. LaGrange’s attorney, James Kitchen, expressed optimism that the court will focus on the core legal issues of the case without being swayed by emotional rhetoric.
One of the controversial social media posts that led to the sanctions depicted children holding pride flags alongside a photo of children with Nazi flags and swastikas. In the Facebook post dated August 27, 2023, Ms. LaGrange commented, “Brainwashing is brainwashing.”
The board sanctioned Ms. LaGrange on September 26, which included sensitivity training, restrictions on public statements, media interactions, and official representation on behalf of the board.
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Prior to the imposition of sanctions, Ms. LaGrange had spoken to the media, but these articles were released after September 26, which the board deemed a violation of the sanctions.
The Epoch Times reached out to the board for a statement but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
“Unfortunately, due to Trustee LaGrange’s breach of the sanctions set on September 26, 2023, as well as other violations of Board Policy and the Education Act, the board was forced to disqualify Trustee LaGrange,” stated Murray Hollman.
James Kitchen filed for two judicial reviews of the RDCRS’ actions, arguing that the decisions were invalid and improper.
Prior to imposing sanctions, on September 5, 2023, the board had written to the Alberta education minister requesting the removal of Ms. LaGrange as a trustee.
Mr. Kitchen criticized the board’s actions, including passing judgment before holding a hearing, as not being in line with its own code of conduct.
“Despite claiming to have an open mind, the board was prepared to and did impose severe sanctions without a formal complaint or hearing,” he remarked.
