Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) Trustee Monique LaGrange’s social media post is causing quite a stir in Alberta and said she was just protecting children.."I posted a story on social media that received a lot of attention," LaGrange told the Western Standard in an exclusive interview on Thursday.."The Chair of the Board called me and asked me to take it down, which by then the story had expired and was already down.".In the social media story post, LaGrange said "Brainwashing is brainwashing," which had a black and white picture of children in Nazi Germany waving Nazi flags during a parade. In the same post, a picture of children holding Pride flags was included.."The story meme is centred around indoctrination and how children are vulnerable to evil agendas (agendas coming from organizations like Planned Parenthood, the UN or SOGI 123) filtering through culture," LaGrange said.."This meme is not comparing or attacking the LGBTQ community, it is about protecting our children and keeping parents as the primary educators.".Calls are growing for the resignation of LaGrange and the school board is asking Alberta’s Education minister to dismiss her..RDCRS also convened a Special Board Meeting on Tuesday to discuss the Trustee Code of Conduct matter, related procedures and next steps regarding LaGrange’s social media post..According to a statement sent out by RDCRS on Wednesday afternoon, an additional motion was also passed for the Board of Trustees to write to the Minister of Education and to ask him to dismiss LaGrange..“Our Division is built upon a foundation of providing quality inclusive education, diversity, trustworthiness and a commitment to the well-being of our students. Our students and staff, their education, and their safety remain our priority,” states the division in a released statement..“To this end, if any student, staff or parent requires support, please do not hesitate to contact us.”.LaGrange has never publicly commented or apologized for the post. She also told the Western Standard she would not resign..According to past practice, the minutes of Tuesday's school board meeting will not be made public until after trustees approve them at their next meeting on September 26..LaGrange is a distant relative, through marriage, of Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange.."Adrianna’s husband is distant cousins with my husband," LaGrange said.."I did not resign because I believe I didn’t do anything wrong. I was elected to stand up and protect our children and that is what I am doing.".LaGrange said in the interview with Western Standard she was not attacking anyone and she is not homophobic or hateful.."I have friends and family that are gay and love them all," LaGrange said.."I am so grateful for all the people that have supported and encouraged me through this time, thank you.".READ MORE: Alberta education minister open to dialogue on pronoun issue.Alberta Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides says he is willing to listen to teachers, students and other professionals to create an inclusive environment for all students.."All students, including those in the LGBTQ community, must feel safe at school," Nicolaides said in an exclusive statement to the Western Standard..Recently, a new Angus Reid Institute poll showed most Canadians support parental rights in the education system..READ MORE Parents overwhelmingly support new sex ed, gender identity policies in SK, ON.Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe tweeted almost 90% of Saskatchewanians support the new sex education and parental rights policies his government released last week..“A new poll from Angus Reid Institute shows strong support in SK and across Canada for Parental Inclusion and Consent in education with 86% in SK supporting some level of notification for parents when children want to change their gender identity in school,” tweeted Moe..Recently, Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce said it's important “parents must be fully involved” if their child wants to change pronouns at school..Nicolaides said Alberta schools should always be welcoming, caring, respectful and inclusive environments.."I’m always happy to listen to parents, teachers, students and other professionals to create an inclusive environment for all students while recognizing the fundamental role parents play in the education and development of their children," Nicolaides said.
