Apology sanction struck for Red Deer school trustee who compared Pride to Nazism

Alberta’s highest court has struck the decision by a Catholic school division requiring a trustee to publicly apologize for a social media post that compared children waving Pride flags to Nazi Germany. The issue erupted in the summer of 2023 and led Monique LaGrange to resign from the board of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools after fellow board members voted to disqualify her. The board had also sanctioned LaGrange by demanding an apology, censuring her from parts of her job and requiring she undergo sensitivity training. View image in full screen A story shared online from the account of Monique LaGrange included an old black and white photo of smiling children leaning out a window waving Nazi flags with the swastikas on them.A more modern photo directly beneath it shows young children in a classroom holding up homemade Pride rainbow flags.The caption reads: “Brainwashing is brainwashing.”. Supplied to Global News LaGrange has tried and failed to challenge the board’s decisions multiple times in court. Story continues below advertisement A panel of three Court of Appeal judges ruled partly in her favour on Wednesday, striking the ruling that she issue an apology. Get breaking Ottawa news Get breaking Ottawa news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story. BY PROVIDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO GLOBAL NEWS' TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY. The court says requiring LaGrange to be “deeply sorry” for what she did amounts to compelled speech and imposes an impossible standard since she doesn’t believe she was in the wrong. MORE ON CANADA MORE VIDEOS Argos, Ticats meet in pivotal Labour Day contest Montreal West parents want crossing guard back at troubled intersection near school ‘Keep human culture alive’: Halifax music venue takes a stand against AI posters An island is floating around a B.C. reservoir — and it keeps disappearing The judges dismissed other aspects of LaGrange’s appeal, including her attempts to have the board’s decisions squashed for being unfair or unreasonable. The school division and a law firm representing LaGrange didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. 2:11 Red Deer school board reveals trustee argued Holy Spirit told her to post anti-LGBTQ2 meme Red Deer school board reveals trustee argued Holy Spirit told her to post anti-LGBTQ2 meme Monique LaGrange remains Red Deer school trustee but faces sanctions for online post Deliberations…