Judge Orders Activist to Remove Defamatory Posts About Principal

UPDATE: A Manitoba judge has ordered activist Raelyn Fox to delete social media posts accusing Carman Collegiate principal Mary Reimer of promoting child pornography. The urgent ruling was issued by Court of King’s Bench Justice Jeffrey Harris on October 19, 2023, following a lawsuit filed by Reimer earlier this year.

The court granted an injunction preventing Fox from making any further defamatory statements about Reimer, who claims the activist falsely implied she groomed children and endorsed sexual exploitation. This decision comes amidst heated debates over the appropriateness of certain books in schools, as Fox has been vocal against materials she deems sexually explicit.

Justice Harris found that Fox’s allegations were “demonstrably false,” particularly her claims regarding the availability of three specific books—Rupi Kaur’s Milk and Honey, Alice Sebold’s Lucky, and Juno Dawson’s This Book is Gay—in the school’s library. He emphasized that the ruling was not intended to stifle discussion about school policies but to curb harmful misinformation.

In a courtroom showdown, Fox’s attorney, Dave Hill, defended her statements as “fair comment,” arguing that parents have a right to be concerned about their children’s education. However, Reimer’s lawyer, Karen Wittman, countered that the allegations were presented as facts, stating, “It’s not a comment, it’s not hyperbole, and it’s not an opinion.”

As the situation develops, Reimer’s legal team asserted that the injunction is “not a broad gag order,” allowing Fox to continue discussing school policies and appropriate materials, but not to target Reimer personally. Wittman expressed that while open dialogue is welcomed, there is a clear line when it comes to actionable defamation.

Currently, some of Fox’s posts remain visible on her Facebook page, despite the court’s ruling. The judge plans to release his detailed reasoning for the decision at a later date.

This ruling has significant implications not only for Reimer and Fox but also for the broader debate on educational content and parental rights in Manitoba. As the legal battle unfolds, communities are watching closely, reflecting the urgent need for clarity in discussions about children’s education and safety.

The controversy underscores the emotional weight of these discussions, as parents and educators navigate the fine line between protecting children and ensuring access to diverse viewpoints. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.